“Dynamic Duo: Gonzalo Busca and Cristiano Obolensky Set to Conquer the $65,000 Yeti Grand Prix CSI2*”

Press announcement from World Equestrian Center

Twenty-nine global competitors faced the rain late Sunday morning to contend for the highest accolades in the concluding international event of the week, the $65,000 YETI Grand Prix CSI2*. Following an exciting eight-horse jump-off, Gonzalo Busca (ESP) secured both first and third positions, triumphing with his own Cristiano Obolensky (Cornet Obolensky x Stakkato) and achieving third place with Steven Bluman’s Pinot Gris Di Fer (Cardento 933 x Baloubet Du Rouet). 

Anderson Lima’s (MEX) meticulously designed tracks challenged the participants, with eight duos managing to clear the rounds within the permitted time.

Katie Eppinger (USA) was the first to return for the jump-off, marking the initial time at 39.54 seconds with her own Chacco’s Cherry PS. Charlie Jones (GBR) followed up with Capitale 6, cutting down significant time to finish at 37.17 seconds. 

Busca, returning aboard Cristiano Obolensky, explained his approach: “I needed to be somewhat aggressive. There was a choice between seven and eight [strides] from one-to-two, but I opted for the seven. I achieved eight to the double and six afterward, and seven to the final line. He was remarkable.” With a timing of 35.19 seconds, Busca and Cristiano Obolensky took the lead, ultimately racing home with the majority of the prize purse. 

Discussing the exceptional 10-year-old Hanoverian gelding, Busca noted, “He’s extremely careful and incredibly brave. He gives it his all and he’s a true competitor. He enjoys the sport. I’ve been riding him since he was seven when we started at the 1.20m levels, and he continues to improve consistently. He has already participated in a three-star event and was double-clear, so he will compete again next week. I believe he’s a horse that will jump some excellent classes.”

Marie Hecart (FRA) and Normandie Connection LTD’s 16-year-old Selle Français mare Vahinee (Lauterbach x Darco) came very close, completing a seamless round in 36.22 seconds to claim second place. 

Busca wasn’t done yet, however. Returning as the second-to-last competitor, he guided the 10-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding Pinot Gris Di Fer to a solid round, finishing the clock at 36.49 seconds for third position.