Spruce Meadows, Calgary, Canada — June 28, 2024 — The second member of Mexico’s talented Pasquel family landed a Spruce Meadows Summer Series 5* victory this afternoon, as Francisco Pasquel Vega (MEX) took top spot in the Canadian Utilities Cup 1.50m.

The up-and-comer nailed the jump-off ahead of just three other riders from a starting competition of 65, to take top spot in the qualifier for Sunday’s $339,460 Pan American Cup Grand Prix CSI 5*.

Friday’s ‘Pan American’ tournament win echoes that of his uncle, Patricio Pasquel, who won the Grand Prix qualifier in the ‘National’, presented by Rolex, earlier this month. Patricio finished 15th and 47th on two different horses this evening.

Pasquel Vega, 21, who also beat his cousin Patricio Pasquel Poo, also 21, in today’s contest, said: “My cousin helps me because we have bets on every class.

“I think he owes me something now, so we’re gonna see if he pays or not. I think I might let him off because I won.

“All of us — me, my uncle, my cousin — push each other to be better. We are a family of riders.

“To come here to Spruce Meadows, one of the best venues in the world, to beat all of these talented riders, is pretty special.”

Pasquel Vega will be joined on Sunday by the 39 other top riders from today’s event, including second-place finisher Matthew Sampson (GBR), with stallion Daniel, and Jos Verlooy (BEL), with Nixon Van’t Meulenhof, who came third. Pasquel Vega’s uncle and cousin will both also be competing.

Today’s challenging Canadian Utilities Cup 510m course was designed by Gregory Bodo (FRA)and featured 13 obstacles with 16 efforts.

Final Results – $105,500 Canadian Utilities Cup CSI 5*

1) Francisco Pasquel Vega (MEX) & Dominant 2000 Z – 0 / 0 – 40.71

2) Matthew Sampson (GBR) & Daniel – 0 / 0 – 41.85

3) Jos Verlooy (BEL) & Nixon van’T Meulenhof – 0 / 0 – 42.24

Source: Press Release from Spruce Meadows Media

Photo: © Spruce Meadows Media / Mike Sturk

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