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).
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.