Nayel Nassar is Crowned Champion in $221,600 CAD Visit Greater Palm Springs CSI5* Grand Prix

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09/12/2023

Nayel Nassar (EGY) and Coronado. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo

Nayel Nassar (EGY) had to wait for a win during Desert Holiday, but a win finally came his way on Friday night of Desert Holiday 2, presented by Visit Greater Palm Springs. Aboard Coronado, owned by Evergate Stables LLC, Nassar rode to the win in the $221,600 CAD Visit Greater Palm Springs CSI5* Grand Prix, bringing home the victory he had been waiting for. Over Peter Grant’s (CAN) course, Nassar was one of 10 to jump clear in the first round. Coming back in a promising position, Nassar was the first to really bring the speed up a notch over the short course, and he left the remaining few pairs to try to catch him, which none could ultimately do. Only Amy Millar (CAN) and Truman, owned by Millar Brooke Farm & Overland, came close, taking second place. Shawn Casady (USA) landed in third on the podium with Cool Quarz, owned by Morning Star Sporthorses.

“He’s been incredible this year; he’s won three grand prixs,” Nassar said of his partner, a 14-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Cassini x Accord). “I’ve had him for two and a half years now but it feels like longer. He’s just such a trier and he’s totally an adrenaline junkie. My wife likes to ride him at home and you would never guess that he’s got that sort of energy when you watch him flat around. He just knows when it’s time to shine and just has all the attributes of a superstar show jumper.” Coronado showed off his superstar qualities under the lights in the Grand Prix Arena, turning tightly and staying ultra careful as Nassar steered him into the lead. The horse was particularly careful through the double combination in the jump-off, the second to last element of the short course.

Presentation KR1 1920 scaled — *Nayel Nassar (EGY) topped the podium in the $221,600CAD Visit Greater Palm Springs CSI5* Grand Prix.* *Photo by High Desert Sport Photo*

“That was actually part of the course that I wasn’t supposed to take any risks but I felt like I was really conservative the whole way around,” Nassar said of his strategy turning tightly back to the one-stride combination. “He’s an amazing combination jumper so I knew I could turn up to that. I tried to push a little wider but also keep my rhythm and it worked out.”