Armando Hassey didn’t let the damp weather deter him from his plan. He rode not only the winning horse, but also finished third with Lauro and seventh with La Roche. “My horses were really focused,” he said. His winning ride came on his the 9 year old Holsteiner mare, Canada by Cassini. Hassey has had the mare since she was five. “I’ve built her all the way. She’s always happy and she loves the sport,” Hassey continued. The mare showed her good conditioning after the event as she leapt and bucked in good spirits. Hassey explained that he always gives her, and all of his horses, carrots and sugar after each competition so that they know they did a good job.

Hassey studies chemical engineering at Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico while balancing an active competition schedule with his stable of horses. “I have a lot of support,” he explains. He credits his parents for helping him achieve his riding goals. He says, “[We] ride all the time together.”

Hassey felt that course designer and Olympic silver medalist Michel Vaillancourt accurately assessed the challenges and provided a fair, yet testing course to the field that included numerous grand prix winners and World Championship qualifiers. Second placed Sharn Wordley agreed, “He interpreted the course perfectly,” with the right mix of challenging elements without any safety risks. All of the riders were impressed with the quality of the footing.

Wordley took home the red ribbon on Epsom Pierrerille, a horse he’s ridden in four grand prix. The duo has meshed quickly with a win in the $25,000 Castle Rock Grand Prix in June and top finishes in the other two grand prix they’ve contested. “His nick name is Rocket because he’s like riding a rocket,” Wordley said of the diminutive 16 hand French-bred. This top placing comes on the heels of numerous successes for the New Zealand native who, in addition to the Castle Rock victory, took home the blue ribbon at the Grand Prix de Santa Fe.

Rounding out the jump-off was the always successful Karen Cudmore, who started three horses, all of which placed in the money. Cudmore looked on target to win the class on her young horse Southern Pride, but a miscommunication at the last fence resulted in a run-out that gave the victory to Hassey. Cudmore attributed this uncharacteristic mistake to finally succumbing to the rain and cold. However, “I was really pleased with all of my horses,” she said. “It’s a shame that it rained [so much] but the footing held up really well.”

Southern Pride is definitely one to watch. The son of the great sire South Pacific was bred by Joan Irvine Smith and has been in the money in every grand prix start since he entered the ranks last year. Cudmore has had the 8 year old bay stallion since he was two and she believes he has amazing talent.

Hassey will now try for the $100,000 bonus for the rider and horse that can win the next two grand prix at the Colorado Horse Park. The $40,000 AGA Rocky Mountain Grand Prix Presented by Murdoch’s is July 15 and the $60,000 AGA Grand Prix of Denver Presented by Dillard’s and Ariat on July 22 round out the Colorado Horse Park Triple Crown.

Spectators are welcome at both grand prix. Tickets are $10 adults, $5 kids. Free parking. The first horse on course begins at 5:30 with opening ceremonies at 5:00 and 4:30 respectively. Food and equestrian-themed entertainment are available on the grounds. Call 303-841-5550 or visit www.coloradohorsepark.org for more information.

Photo Credit: Horse and Ryder Photography