Thermal, California, USA – February 01, 2023 – Brazil topped the first international event of the day, with Cassio Rivetti (BRA) capturing his first victory on a newer mount, Gotico Di Ca’ San Giorgio, owned by Play the Game LLC. The duo took the top prize in the $32,000 Balmoral Speed CSI2* 1.45m .
“He’s 13 years old and he arrived last year,” Rivetti said of the Italian-bred gelding (Diamant de Semilly x Acobat II). “He’s owned by Katherine Dash and they sent him to me to show and maybe sell. It’s a super nice horse, amazing jumper, and it has experience already with her in the 1.50m. He’s super fun; it’s like riding an e-bike.”
Rivetti took the lead later in the class from Conor Swail (IRL) who held a convincing lead with Gamble, a top CSI2* mount for the Irishman. Before the close of the class, Gregory Wathelet (BEL) slid in and captured second with Mr. Europe, owned by Morning Star Sporthorses.
“He fits really well into my string,” Rivetti, who is based in San Diego, said of Gotico Di Ca’ San Giorgio. “He’s a super competitive horse so he always rides well. He’s good for this level at 1.50m. The other horses are also doing well.”
Having previously jumped all over the world and into the Olympics, Rivetti now bases just down the road in Southern California and loves having the chance to jump the highest levels right in his home state. He’s also bringing up very talented students who are taking on major events including the FEI World Cup Finals.
“It’s beautiful here because you can jump a good competition against top riders,” he said of DIHP. “I always say it’s better to be here and jump in the two four-stars than go to a different place and jump the lower levels. It’s the perfect place to prepare your horse for the season.”
Final Results – $32,000 Balmoral Speed CSI 2* 1.45m
1) Cassio Rivetti (BRA) & Gotico Di Ca’ San Giorgio – 0 – 62.74
2) Gregory Wathelet (BEL) & Mr. Europe – 0 – 63.35
3) Conor Swail (IRL) & Gamble – 0 – 63.60
Source: Press Release from Desert International Horse Park
Photos: © DIHP / TB Photography / High Desert Photo / MG Photography
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Categories: CSI 2*, English, Jumper News Brasil
