Mill Spring, North Carolina – June 04, 2023 – Aboard Driss Ngadi’s 2010 mare Belle de Muze, Luis Fernando Larrazabal (VEN) claimed the victory in the $25,000 Van Winkle Law Firm Sunday Classic. The pair stopped the jump off timers in 36.822 seconds.
The winning combo is a new pairing, Fernando Larrazabal detailed. “I just started riding her around three months ago, so it’s kind of a new partnership for me. I’m very excited about the future, because she is a winner.” He elaborated, “She gets in the ring and just wants to do the job. To be honest, you just need to not get in her way and let her do her job, because she’s amazing.”
Marking a time of 37.423 seconds to win reserve was Alberto Michan (ISR) and Kabuki (Harley x Otangelo), the 2015 Dutch Warmblood mare owned by Maeve O’Connor.
Jacqueline Ruyle (USA) and her own Cyramo Z (Clarimo x Vigo D Arsouilles STX), the 2011 Zangersheide mare, made a time of 37.932 to earn third in the class.
Slotted to go early in the jump off, Fernando Larrazabal had to set a time that couldn’t be beat, but didn’t want to go “too crazy,” he explained:
“Going into the jump off, I was a little bit early in the order of go, and there were plenty after me. But, I know she’s very quick: she’s an ultra fast horse. So, you know, I had my plan. I didn’t want to get too crazy, because I know she is very quick.
“I played my part, she did an amazing job, and I was crossing my fingers for the rest, because it’s difficult to win here. But it went my way today, so I’m very happy,” he emphasized. “I want to thank her owner, Driss [Ngadi], for letting me ride this mare and trusting me with her.”
Fernando Larrazabal’s entire family is currently based at Tryon International, and he concluded that both the horse and human contingents of his camp are happy to be at the venue. “We like it here! It’s very quiet, and the grounds are amazing. It’s so comfortable to bring my family here. My wife and my kids are very, very happy to be here.”
Results – $25,000 Van Winkle Law Firm Sunday Classic
1) Luiz Fernando Larrazabal (VEN) & Belle de Muze – 0 – 36.822
2) Alberto Michan (ISR) & Kabuki – 0 – 37.423
3) Jacqueline Ruyle (USA) & Cyramo Z – 0 – 37.932
Source: Press Release from Tryon International
Photo: © TIEC / Kendall Lueder for Natalie Suto Photography
