Egypt’s Nayel Nassar claimed the AIG $1 Million Grand Prix at HITS Coachella, during the Desert Circuit VIII, March 13-18, 2018. The 1.50-metre course, designed by Mark McGowan, saw 53 entries, with six combinations returning for the jump-off.
Nassar rode Lordan, the 14-year-old Hanoverian gelding he partnered with to win the $100,000 Longines FEI Thermal World Cup Qualifier in February.
Rowan Willis and Blue Movie were second, with Paul O’Shea and Skara Glen’s Presence in third.
Canada’s Erynn Ballard was fifth aboard Fantast. A seasoned catch rider, Ballard said this was only the second time she’d ridden the gelding owned by Sagamore Farms and managed by Ilan Ferder.
Ballard has been busy this winter with numerous mounts. “I had the ride on Don’s Diamant to start, and he was sold to California early in the circuit, and now I have Catoki’s Son Z, who jumped the Nations Cup, Handy van HD and Fantast to ride.”
Ballard will continue to ride Fantast this summer with stops at some big shows including the New York Masters in April, Devon, Upperville and Spruce Meadows.
Watch Ballard’s round below:
https://www.facebook.com/erynn.ballard/videos/10156298000700238/
Full results here.
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