Guy Williams interrupted the Spanish triumphal march of the Spanish riders on the second day of IFEMA Madrid Horse Week after winning the Marqués de Vargas Trophy, a 1’45 meters course from the CSI5*W. The British victory stopped the Spanish anthem from being played for the third time in a row and left Pilar Cordón on the brink, who had to settle after leading the race for a long time. The Aragonese rider, however, was satisfied with the performance of «Guust van den Katten Eeck», a 9-year-old she has been riding for six months now.
The Marqués de Vargas Trophy was a thrilling course for the fans, that crowded the stands of the IFEMA central arena, where the jumping trace allowed several cuts. The 11 obstacles and 14 efforts included a triple (oxer/vertical/vertical) in the early stages, and a double (vertical/oxer). Only seven riders out of the 24 pairs finished without faults.
The thrill continued until the end, since Pilar Cordón and «Guust van den Katten Eeck» reached the top halfway through the course in 62.93 seconds. The rider took risk and ran the shortcuts. Her time appeared to be very difficult to beat. Until the Brazilian Francisco José Mesquita with «Jivaro Imperio Egipcio», who stopped the clock in 61.73 seconds, lowered the target within the last ten riders to go. But one pole down in the last obstacle stole his triumph.
The very fast Guy Williams and «Rouge de Ravel», which collect eight international victories this season, including two two-star Grand Prix in Bonheiden, were finally in charge. The British and the son of «Ultimo van ter Mouden» played succesfully, and were the only ones to finish below the 60 seconds barrier. His record of 57.46 seconds snatched the Spanish victory.
Among the best classified another Spanish, the rider Santiago Núñez Riva with «Valentino de Hus Z». The Yeguada Casa’l Capellán pair signed a clear round and got the sixth position.
