Thermal, California, USA – December 08, 2023 – The final grand prix of the Major League Show Jumping season concluded with the flying of the Egyptian flag for Nayel Nassar (EGY) and Coronado. The individual MLSJ championship was decided a week prior, but there was still winning honors to play for in the $221,600 Grand Prix CSI 5* , presented by Visit Greater Palm Springs on Friday evening at Desert International Horse Park (DIHP).
From a 10-horse jump-off, Nassar and Coronado, a 14-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Cassini x Accord) owned by Evergate Stables, stole the show over Peter Grant’s (CAN) course.
“I have to say, there wasn’t a fast round that had been laid down yet so I tried to be relatively conservative but still be efficient enough for the people after me to have to take some risks,” explained Nassar of his jump-off approach. “My horse is naturally quick, and the jump-off suited him with long gallops and a couple of turns. I thought I nailed the turn to the double; that was probably the place where I took some risks other people weren’t able to take.”
Only Amy Millar (CAN) and Truman, owned by Millar Brooke Farm & Overland, came close to catching Nassar, but ended two seconds off the time to beat of 38.79 seconds.
Shawn Casady (USA) landed in third on the podium with Cool Quarz, owned by Morning Star Sporthorses.
Returning to DIHP is like coming home for Nassar, who spent time in California and competed at the park when he was attending university at Stanford.
“I really love this horse park,” he said of DIHP. “It does feel like home. It’s always great to come back to the West Coast and see all the familiar faces. This is a special win for us. It’s the end of the season, and it’s been a long year. To get this kind of win towards the end is super rewarding.”
Attention now turns to the $1 Million 5* Cabana Coast Team Final. Nassar’s own Trelawny Trailblazers will look to defend their current lead and stake claim on the 2023 season championship title. MLSJ action concludes for 2023 with the $1 Million Team Final taking the spotlight on Saturday at 6 p.m. PST. To view a complete schedule, click HERE.
Final Results – $221,600 Grand Prix CSI 5* , presented by Visit Greater Palm Springs
1) Nayel Nassar (EGY) & Coronado – 0 / 0 – 38.79
2) Amy Millar (CAN) & Truman – 0 / 0 – 40.52
3) Shawn Casady (USA) & Cool Quarz – 0 / 0 – 42.83
Source: Press Release from Major League Show Jumping
Photos: © MLSJ / Atalya Boytner / Shelby Phillips
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Categories: CSI 5*, English, Jumper News Africa
