Brian Moggre and Vivre le Reve. Photo © Sportfot.
Wellington, FL – February 29, 2020 – The future of U.S. show jumping was shining bright as a team of up-and-coming athletes dominated the $150,000 Nations Cup CSIO4* in the International Arena during week eight on Saturday evening, February 29, at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in Wellington, FL.
The “Saturday Night Lights” Nations Cup consisted of two rounds over a course set by the USA’s Ken Krome. Teams of four represented the nations of Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Ireland, Israel, Mexico, and the United States.
The six teams that returned for the second round included the fault-free United States, Ireland on five faults, Brazil and Canada on a tally of 13 faults apiece, and Australia and Israel with 17 faults each.
Leading the way, the NetJets U.S. Jumping Team consisting of Andy Kocher aboard Squirt Gun, Brian Moggre on MTM Vivre le Reve, Lucas Porter with C Hunter, and Adrienne Sternlicht riding Just A Gamble carried the leading scores in both rounds and finished the night on just four penalties for the win. The U.S. riders were coached by Chef d’Équipe Robert Ridland.
Irish riders David Blake, Darragh Kenny, Paul O’Shea, and Billy Twomey took the silver-medal position on 13 faults, while Australia’s Amy Graham, Scott Keach, Hilary Scott, and Rowan Willis rounded out the podium.
Super Speedy Finish for Ireland’s Darragh Kenny and Important de Muze
Darragh Kenny led a twelve-horse jump-off with a speedy finish in Saturday’s $50,000 CaptiveOne Advisors 1.50m National Grand Prix riding 12-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding Important De Muze, owned by Kerry Anne LLC. The pair posted a time of 35.96 seconds to best an international field.
“My horse felt really good in the first round, and the course was straightforward as I walked it,” said Kenny of Ken Krome’s track. “Going into the jump-off, I felt confident with my horse because he is quite experienced and he has done a good number of these classes. I knew I could do one less stride than most of my competitors from one to two and then I had to stay on and hope it went well.”
Kenny has had the ride on Important de Muze for more than a year and developed a strong partnership with the mount.
“He has been a super horse for me,” said Kenny, who has been a familiar face at WEF for the last decade, and is having a memorable 2020 season with consistent top results. “This year has been great, and they have done a great job with the footing in the International Arena which has made a big difference.”
Becky Gochman Sweeps Equiline Amateur-Owner Hunter 3’3” 36 and Over Division
On Saturday afternoon, Becky Gochman was crowned both champion and reserve in the Equiline Amateur-Owner Hunter 3’3” 36 and Over division. Gochman received top honors with Last Man Darling after earning two firsts, a third, and a fourth place.
Gochman, of Wellington FL, has been paired with Last Man Darling, owned by Gochman Sport Horses LLC, for several years. Prior to Gochman taking over the reins, both of her daughters, Sophie and Mimi, showed Last Man Darling in the junior hunter divisions. The 14-year-old Mecklenburg mare has a beautiful expression going around the show ring and easily stands out to the judges.
“She lives up to her name; she is a total darling,” said Gochman. “She is a great mover, and has a terrific jump.”
Gochman also piloted her second mount in the division, Mythical, to reserve champion. Gochman rode Mythical, also owned by Gochman Sport Horses LLC, to first, third, and seventh-place finishes.
For full results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.