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Wilmington, Ohio – A picturesque spring day set the scene for the first feature class of the 2023 World Equestrian Center Ohio Spring I. The $7,500 Welcome Stake saw a field of 15 elite athletes attempt Bobby Murphy’s (USA) track, though none could catch Patricio Rodriguez (ARG) and his talented Corvet Enigma (Corvet Embrujo x Remonta Protuaria).
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Rodrigruez, of Lexington, Kentucky, piloted his own Corvet Enigma to a foot-perfect qualifying round, earning a spot in the immediate jump-off phase. The duo set a quick pace and claimed an early lead as the sixth to go in the order.
“When I walked it, there a couple of lines where I had some doubts. Otherwise, it was straight forward, and it was a great course. Bobby Murphy always does a great job building courses that are fair for the horses. I was happy when I walked it and I knew that there were going to be some questions, but she felt great. The jump-off was ideal for her since there were a few tight turns and she is great at turning,” Rodriguez spoke about the tracks.
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Moving on to the jump-off phase, Rodriguez stepped on the gas pedal, and sped through each inside turn with ease. The enthusiastic 11-year-old Warmblood mare claimed top honors in a blazing fast time of 41.787 seconds.
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“She is great. I imported her about a year ago from Argentina. I have been jumping the welcomes and the grands prix quite a bit, but today it all felt like it really clicked. It was her day for sure. She is for sale, but of course today after this win I thought for a second that maybe I want to keep her. She is just amazing,” laughed Rodriguez.
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Natalie Thornell (USA) of Loveland, Ohio, made light work of the track with Loveland Equine Investments Snow White (Clinton x Jung Laguna) for the red ribbon. As the second to go in the posted order, Thornell and the 14-year-old Westphalian mare set the tone with an immediate double clear. The duo landed through the timers in 42.414 seconds, enough to earn second place.
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Rounding out the podium was Ignite Equestrian’s Taylor St Jacques (CAN) and her own Jakilly (Harley VDL x Zakilly). The nine-year-old KWPN mare stepped over the track, carrying St Jacques to an effortless double clear to earn third place honors in 43.26 seconds.
$7,500 Welcome Stake Results: 1 Corvet Enigma, Patricio Rodriguez, Patricio Rodriguez LLC | 0 | 41.787
2 Snow White, Natalie Thornell, Loveland Equine Investments | 0 | 42.414
3 Jakilly, Taylor St Jacques, Taylor St Jacques | 0 | 43.26
4 Jadina, Kevin McCarthy, Sweet Oak Farm | 0 | 43.277
5 Vincent, Richard Rinehart, Ron Caraway | 4 | 39.141
6 Quincidence, Wilhelm Genn, Wilhelm Genn | 4
7 Jamiroquai, Natalie Thornell, Loveland Equine Investments | 4 | 43.596
8 Iconic, Lani Hutchison, Lani Hutchison | 4 | 44.338
9 Diaz Barbotiere, Izzy Beisel, Izzy Beisel | 4 | 65.839
10 Conquest, Devin Milan, Garo Kazan | 4 | 70.717
Make sure to visit the WEC Blog and follow us on social media @worldequestriancenter for full coverage on all feature classes!
Results can be found at wec.net.
All horse show images are provided by Winslow Photography and can be purchased onsite at WEC – Wilmington or online through their website.