Mexico’s Carlos Hank Guerreiro found himself in the Wellington International winner’s circle Saturday night with an amazing ride in the $215,000 FEI 4-star Horseware Ireland Grand Prix.
Bold and determined as he set off against the clock, he was fifth to go in a 14-horse tiebreaker, brilliantly handling the turns on Oscar Soberon’s twisting jump-off course to bring H5 Porthos Maestro WH Z home in 39.98 seconds.
Mexico’s Carlos Hank Guerreiro and H5 Porthos Maestro WH Z.
Last to go, Egypt’s Nayel Nassar on Esi Ali had what would have been the winning time — 39.92 seconds — but a giant leap to the last fence caused a rail to hit the ground and he wound up ninth as the fastest 4-faulter.
Former eventer Marilyn Little of the U.S. executed a skillful trip with La Contessa, though she didn’t break the 40-second mark, finishing in 40.55 seconds to end up a very respectable second. An Irish rider, Tom Wachman, was third on Do it Easy, clear in 40.61.
“I have a very fast horse in Porthos, and it was a big enough jump-off with some very fast riders behind me,” said Hank, who has been working with the 11-year-old Zangersheide gelding by Picasso Z for four years.
The 24-year-old rider pointed out, “I didn’t want to leave it all out on the line because you still have to leave the jumps up. I wanted to take the risks I knew I could, and it paid off today.”
Carlos Hank Guerreiro on the way to victory. (Sportfot photo)
He added, “The atmosphere here has always been unbelievable; I’ve been jumping here for a few years now and these ‘Saturday Night Lights’ are very special. It’s what motivates us during the week. To win one has always been a dream of mine so I’m very grateful.
“It’s a very tough place to win. If you can win here, you can win anywhere.”
The class drew 40 starters. McLain Ward wound up 18th on High Star Hero with one rail in the first round. Beezie Madden was eliminated when she had a fall from Nairobi early on course, but walked out of the ring unaided.
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