San Miguel de Allende, Mexico – May 26, 2019 – Martin Jimenez (MEX) recorded his first Otomí Grand Prix CSI 2* victory Sunday afternoon in San Miguel de Allende, revealing the talent and professionalism of his 8-year-old Selle Français stallion, Bingo Ste Hermelle. The chestnut (Number One Disco x Diamant de Semilly), jumping first in an eight-horse jump-off, put pedal to the metal from the first fence and could not be caught, winning the CSI 2* competition with a time of 42.08 seconds.
Another 8-year-old, Golden Diamonds W.G., earned second place honors with Nicolas Pizarro (MEX) on a time of 43.03 seconds, while Hector Ortiz (MEX) completed a Mexican sweep of the podium, finishing third as the only other double-clear performer with Nepal 07, timed in 47.77 seconds.
Martin Jimenez (MEX) & Bingo Ste Hermelle
“I’ve got the horse at six years old, and we just became a great team,” Jimenez said. “I really believe in the horse, and the horse believes in me. The owner believes in us. We
just click.”
Eight combinations were able to navigate the first round track set by Germany’s Werner Deeg (GER) without fault. Rails fell throughout the track, and the time became tight after Deeg, along with the stewards, elected to shorten the initial time allowed of 84 seconds to just 78. In the jump-off, Jimenez put the pressure on early and was able to separate himself with a bold gallop to the final vertical.
Never taking up on the reins, he put complete trust in his mount, and after crossing the timers, he reached down and wrapped his arms around the chestnut in appreciation, knowing the tall order the young stallion had met.
Martin Jimenez (MEX) & Bingo Ste Hermelle
“This horse really enjoys jumping,” Jimenez said. “The more you ask of him and the more you push him, the more he gives you. He becomes more careful and jumps higher. I think he’s a rare [talent].”
Martin Jimenez (MEX) hoisting the coveted winner’s trophy
Jimenez’s victory brought to a close the two-week May circuit at Otomí, with competition scheduled to resume in September. “This is my first time winning a grand prix, ever,” Jimenez said. “I am so happy to have won at Otomí.”
For full results, click here.
Source: Press relase by Catie Staszak for Otomí
Photos: © Otomí Grand Prix / Humberto Pacheco / Anwar Esquivel
Categories: CSI 2*
