Traverse City, MI – June 5, 2026—Francisco Goyoaga Mollet (ESP) earned his first FEI victory aboard Deacon on Friday, topping the $31,100 AVID CSI3* Speed during opening week of the Traverse City Spring Series, presented by Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel, at Flintfields Horse Park.
Goyoaga Mollet and the 10-year-old Holsteiner gelding stopped the clock in 66.63 seconds to take the win. Michael Morrissey (USA) finished second aboard Ilton Ste Hermelle in 69.56 seconds, while Ashley Vogel (USA) rounded out the podium aboard Toulonia in 70.74 seconds.
The victory marked a milestone for Goyoaga Mollet and Deacon, who have been partnered for only a few months.
“It’s our first FEI win together,” said Goyoaga Mollet. “I got him about three months ago. He’s from an owner of ours, and he’s had great results. I haven’t pushed him a lot—he can go way faster.”
“I always try to be competitive,” he said. “Even when it doesn’t work out, I don’t slow down. I keep trying, and eventually it happens.”
Looking ahead, Goyoaga Mollet believes Deacon has the talent to develop into a top-level grand prix horse.
“I’m building him up to the bigger classes and grand prix level,” he explained. “He’s got the scope, he’s got the quality, and he’s already jumped a few 1.50m classes. He just needs to mature a little more.”
Traverse City has become an important stop in that development process.
“It’s one of the best places to produce horses because you’re jumping in the same ring with an amazing footing,” said Goyoaga Mollet. “The horses get used to these jumps and mature a lot. I love coming here to produce horses.”
With Friday’s speed competition complete, attention now turns to Saturday’s $116,500 Four G Surfaces CSI3* Grand Prix, the featured event of opening week of the Traverse City Spring Series. Fans and competitors can view full schedules, results, and live updates through the Traverse City Horse Shows Mobile App.
Augusta Iwasaki Goes One-Two in $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby
Hunter competition on Friday was highlighted by a one-two finish for Augusta Iwasaki aboard Small Fortune and Ever So Clear in the $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby. Iwasaki earned the victory with a combined score of 186 aboard Small Fortune, while Ever So Clear finished second on a score of 178.5. Douglas Boyd placed third aboard Ravello with a score of 178.
Small Fortune was recognized as the Platinum Performance Horse of the Week for opening week of the Traverse City Spring Series.
Anna Tyler Tops $10,000 USHJA Junior/Amateur Hunter Derby
In the $10,000 USHJA Junior/Amateur Hunter Derby, Anna Tyler claimed victory aboard Affirm with a two-round total of 175. Eleanor Louise Hellman finished second riding Lilibet on a score of 168, while Tyler returned to the podium in third aboard Shades of Grey with a score of 165.
Featured Photo: Francisco Goyoaga Mollet (ESP) and Deacon won the $31,100 AVID CSI3* Speed. Photo © Megan Giese Media/TCHS
