A smart jump-off plan helps Francisco Goyoaga Mollet break through for his first Traverse City FEI Grand Prix victory.
Sunday of opening week at the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival, presented by B&D Builders, became a day Francisco Goyoaga Mollet (ESP) will never forget. Against a 10-horse jump-off, the Spaniard relied on unwavering focus and a smart strategy crafted with Ken Smith to earn his first Traverse City FEI Grand Prix victory by winning the $116,500 Meijer CSI3* Grand Prix.
“I’m really happy, and I’m even happier that it’s with that horse,” Goyoaga said of his winning mount Stakato Cornet. “I’ve been working a lot with him. I’ve been a few times second which was pretty frustrating but now I’ve got the win so I’m super happy.”
The jump-off featured some of the sport’s toughest competition, including world number one Kent Farrington (USA), twice grand prix winner already this season Charlotte Jacobs (USA), and Traverse City Spring grand prix winner Olivia Sweetnam (USA), not to mention her father and Olympian Shane Sweetnam (IRL).
But Goyoaga stuck to the plan, and he didn’t let emotion interfere with his ride.
“I had the best plan I could have with Ken Smith; he made me do seven [strides] instead of six so I could turn really fast to the third fence,” Goyoaga explained of his jump-off. “I think that was really smart. I knew I couldn’t open that horse’s stride that much so I tried to be tighter everywhere and it worked out. He’s learning so much about going fast.”
“I’m so focused that I don’t have many feelings [while on course],” Goyoaga reflected about how he feels when he reaches high speeds. “I got all the feelings once I crossed the timers and saw that I won. So it’s a happy feeling, or a frustrating feeling if you don’t win. I’m not nervous, I just focus and think about my course.”
Eleven-year-old Stakato Cornet (Cornet Obolensky x Stakkato) has been Goyoaga’s ride in the FEI divisions for the past three seasons in Traverse City, so they are no strangers to Flintfields Horse Park. They’ve come close before, but patience finally paid off.
Even after crossing the timers, Goyoaga wasn’t certain the win was his. Charlotte Jacobs still had one ride to come aboard Instrumental, but a rail down secured Goyoaga’s long-awaited breakthrough.
Olivia Sweetnam finished second with Gilona AO, while Jacobs rounded out the podium with her first entry, Cristiano Obolensky. Jacobs also took home the honor of Leading Lady Rider for her performance across international classes, including a second place in Friday’s Speed and a clear effort in Thursday’s Welcome Stake.
“I’m really happy,” Goyoaga reflected. “I’ve been second a few times and I’ve been talking about it for three years now. I’m really happy it happened today. I’m really appreciative of [Traverse City Horse Shows]; they treat me incredibly here and I know a lot of people say good things about this show but we really mean it. It’s a great show.”
Jacobs Earns Turnham Green Leading Lady Rider Honors
Charlotte Jacobs capped another outstanding week of international competition by earning the Turnham Green Leading Lady Rider Award, presented to the female rider who accumulates the most points across FEI competition each week at the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival. Jacobs’ consistent performances included a runner-up finish in Friday’s $31,100 CSI3* Speed, a clear round in Thursday’s Welcome Stake, and third place in Sunday’s $116,500 Meijer CSI3* Grand Prix.
Caitlin Burns Wins $800 Karina Brez Adult Amateur Hunter Classic
In hunter competition Sunday, Caitlin Burns was the big winner in Adult Amateur hunter action Sunday, taking the top position in the $800 Karina Brez Adult Amateur Hunter Classic aboard Sir Isaac. Abigail Gordon took second with No Secret, while Meg Giannetti was third aboard Night Owl.
Week two of the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival, presented by B&D Builders, begins Wednesday. Fans and competitors can view full schedules, results, and live updates through the Traverse City Horse Shows Mobile App.
