San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, – May 19, 2019 – Bruno Cavalheiro (BRA) made history Sunday at Otomí Hípico, becoming just the second rider in the venue’s history to win its prestigious “Copa Challenger,” or Challenger Cup, with his victory in the MXN $510,000 Otomí Grand Prix CSI 2*.

Cavalheiro and the 11-year-old gelding Chabello (Chacco Blue x Baloubet du Rouet) bested a contentious jump-off after just three combinations from the original field of 19 starters cleared Bernardo Costa Cabral’s (POR) first round track without fault.Jumping second in the order over the shortened course, the duo posted a time that could not be beat, crossing the finish line in 36.86 seconds.

Alejandro Mills (MEX) and Coupe du Rouet were the only other double-clear performers, finishing second on a time of 39.19 seconds, while Felipo Godinho (BRA) and Google rounded out the podium with an 8-fault total. Their time was 37.61 seconds.

Bruno Cavalheiro (BRA) & Chabello during the lap of honor

“Every time [Chabello] comes out, he jumps really [well],” Cavalheiro said. “He’s really strong, like a lot of Chacco Blue [progeny], and he’s so powerful. I did seven [strides] to the double, and that’s where I think I [was fastest], but he’s so careful that it doesn’t matter [if you decide to leave out strides].”

Cavalheiro and Chabello completed a remarkable run of three straight grand prix wins at Otomí, dating back to the venue’s winter circuit in February and March. In doing so, Cavalheiro etched his name in the Challenger Cup, which is awarded to any rider that wins three Otomí Grand Prix events. The only other rider to achieve the feat has been Uruguay’s Juan Manuel Luzardo (URU), and it took him three years (2016- 2018) to do it. It took Cavalheiro just three months.

Bruno Cavalheiro  (BRA) hoisting one of the coveted prizes for his third straight Otomí Grand Prix victory

“The horse has won his last three grand prixs [here],” Cavalheiro said. “It’s just amazing.” Cavalheiro plans to compete Chabello in next week’s CSI 2* competition at Otomí. The venue, located in the heart of San Miguel de Allende—rated the No. 1 city in the world by Travel & Leisure in 2017 and 2018—offers six weeks of international competition throughout the year, with three two-week circuits in February/March, May, and September/October.

“There will be even more pressure!” Cavalheiro exclaimed.

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Source: Press release by Catie Staszak for Otomí Grand Prix

Photos: © Otomi Grand Prix