Amsterdam, The Netherlands – January 26, 2020 – When Gonzalo Azcárraga (MEX) crossed the finish of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Guadalajara CSI 4*-W, he didn’t know whether he had won or lost. To his surprise, he had done neither. He tied.

In a history-making result, Azcárraga, riding Fabio, and Alberto Sanchez-Cozar (MEX) aboard Union de la Nutria completed Guilherme Jorge’s (BRA) jump-off in identical times of 48.95 seconds. Lorenza O’Farrill (MEX) and Queens Darling finished third with 4 faults in 48.95 seconds.

Gonzalo Azcárraga (MEX) & Fabio

“I actually didn’t know what time Alberto had done,” Azcárraga said. “I was just waiting for the result, and I couldn’t see [on the scoreboard] whether I was first or second. I just heard a scream in the audience, ‘You’re tied! You’re tied!’”

The top three were the only combinations to advance to the jump-off after a challenging first round course saw rails fall throughout. In the jump-off, O’Farrill had the disadvantage of going first. While putting the pressure on with a quick time, she and her longtime mount pulled a rail toward the end of the shortened course.

After Sanchez-Cozar laid down a clear round, Azcárraga had to equal the feat. Not only did he replicate the clear, but he also finished on an identical time, down to the hundredth of a second. The tie for victory marks the first in the history of the North American League.

Alberto Sanchez-Cozar (MEX) &Union de La Nutria 

“I liked everything about what my horse [did today],” Sanchez-Cozar said. “He was clean and covered the obstacles like I wanted. I didn’t ride that fast because Lorenza had a rail. I was just waiting to see the outcome from Gonzalo. I am very happy. It was a good competition, and it’s a good position [to be in].”

The two winners Alberto Sanchez-Cozar (MEX) and Gonzalo Azcárraga (MEX)

The top two Mexican riders from the North American League advance to the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final in Las Vegas (USA) in April. Azcárraga and Sanchez-Cozar, tied on 19 points, are also tied as the second-best among Mexican riders.

“I’m absolutely blown away by [Fabio],” Azcárraga said. “This week has probably been the best week of my life. I’ve had a rough couple of years with Grand Prix horses. To come at this level now is just a dream come true.”

The North American League continues in Wellington (USA) on 2 February 2020.

Sources: Press release by Catie Staszak for FEI – Fédération Equestre Internationale / Marilly Meyer MFL Design / eqMKT – Equestrian Marketing

For full results, please click here.

Photos: © FEI/Christian Lopez Redetzki