Spruce Meadows, Calgary, Alberta, Canada — June 13, 2024 — Patricio Pasquel (MEX) paid tribute to his beloved horse Babel, following a victory that saw him qualify for the Grand Prix in the famous International Ring at Spruce Meadows.
Mexico’s Pasquel, who triumphed with prized gelding Babel in 2017’s RBC Grand Prix here, came first in this afternoon’s Recon Metal Cup qualifier following a jump-off against 11 other riders who emerged from a competition of 49 athletes.
This time it was atop Chakkalou PS, following Babel’s premature retirement in April.
“Babel loved it here,” recalled Pasquel, who raised the highly decorated Babel from a foal. “I would have loved to come here and then retire him, but unfortunately we had to send him to the pastures early.
“We had to retire him after an unfortunate accident. That was quite sad. But we’ve been working with this horse for a couple of years.
“He’s a very careful horse, he’s been coming along great.”
Pasquel also spoke of his joy at competing against his son, Patricio Pasquel Poo, 21, aboard Seringat, in today’s competition.
“It’s one of the most satisfying things in this sport that I can compete with my son,” Pasquel, 52, said. “Today was not his best day, but last week he jumped quite well.
“I’m telling him to take it easy, we still have three more big weeks (in the Spruce Meadows Summer Series tournaments).
Pasquel’s nephew, Francisco Pasquel Vega, with Dominant 2000 Z, was also in today’s contest. He finished the prelimary round 29th, while Pasquel Poo arrived at 44th, on the 13 obstacle, 16 effort course designed by Olaf Petersen Jr (GER).
When he wasn’t busy dominating the ring, the senior Pasquel was spotted racing around the vast grounds of Spruce Meadows on his bicycle.
“We’ve been here a couple of years, so we know what to bring,” said Pasquel. “A good jacket, rain gear, and a nice bike.”
Recon Metal Cup winner Pasquel will fight for glory in this year’s RBC Grand Prix of Canada, presented by Rolex, on Saturday afternoon in the International Ring.
He was followed by John Perez Bohm (COL), who came second with Gigi-Carmen, and Sameh El Dahan (GBR), who was third, with WKD Aimez Moi.
Final Results — $62,500 Recon Metal Cup CSI 5*
1) Patricio Pasquel (MEX) & Chakkalou PS — 0 / 0 — 40.26
2) John Perez Bohm (COL) & Gigi-Carmen — 0 / 0 — 40.69
3) Sameh El Dahan (GBR) & WKD Aimez Moi — 0 / 0 — 40.98
Source: Press Release from Spruce Meadows Media
Photo: © Spruce Meadows Media / Tony Lewis
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Categories: CSI 5*, English, Jumper News Mexico, Spruce Meadows
