Gregory Wathelet dominates CSI4* Pomponio Ranch Welcome Speed with a spectacular one-two finish

Thermal, CA – January 23, 2025 – Gregory Wathelet is on a winning streak at the Desert Circuit, adding yet another impressive victory to his record. On Thursday, January 23, the Belgian rider clinched first place in the $63,000 CSI4* Pomponio Ranch Welcome Speed aboard Argentina de la Marchette, while also securing second place with Ace of Hearts.

Competing in the stunning Grand Prix Arena at the Desert International Horse Park, Wathelet entered the ring determined to leave his mark. The first pair to set the time to beat was Conor Swail of Ireland on Theo 160, clocking in at 63.85 seconds.

“I saw Conor; he was quite fast!” said Wathelet, who was the sixth to go with Ace of Hearts, a horse he previously rode to a top 10 finish at the 2024 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final. “I know that Ace isn’t the fastest horse, but I can ask him to push a little.”

And push he did. Wathelet stopped the clock at 62.64 seconds, taking over the top of the leaderboard. That time, however, would only be surpassed by Wathelet himself. Riding his lightning-fast Argentina de la Marchette, the Belgian rider flew through the timers in 62.34 seconds, relegating Ace of Hearts to second place. Conor Swail and Theo 160 held on to third, while the USA’s Kaitlin Campbell and Sun Warrior claimed fourth.

“I knew Argentina was quick, and after my good round with Ace, I decided to give it everything with her,” Wathelet explained about his 13-year-old grey mare. “Even though she was a bit nervous in the warm-up, she was perfect in the ring. I stuck to my plan, and everything worked out. She jumped exceptionally well, and at the end, I managed to go even faster!”

Wathelet elaborated on his partnership with Argentina: “She’s a highly competitive horse, though she can be a little quirky at times. Yesterday, in a training round, she wasn’t great, but today she completely transformed. I know her inside out—I know where to turn, where to speed up, and where to be more cautious. At this level, she’s simply ideal.”

With two major victories under her belt at the Desert Circuit, Argentina de la Marchette will now enjoy the rest of the week off. Meanwhile, Wathelet will focus on Ace of Hearts as he prepares for Saturday night’s $200,000 American Wild Horse Conservation Grand Prix.

For the full schedule of upcoming classes and results from the $63,000 CSI4* Pomponio Ranch Welcome Speed, visit dihp.showgroundslive.com.

Gregory Wathelet and Argentina de la Marchette. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo

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