Samuel Parot, pictured on JK Horsetrucks Chantilly, with Hillary Ridland, Robert Ridland, Melissa Brandes, and Lauren Davis
Las Vegas, NV – Forty-seven horse and rider combinations flew around the twisty track in the $40,000 1.35m Las Vegas National Speed Stake, presented by Walter Oil & Gas. But it was tenth to go, Chilean Samuel Parot aboard his fourteen-year-old Belgian gelding Couscous van Orti, who took the most daring and speedy track for the win in 55.26 seconds. Brazilian Eduardo Menezes was closest to catching him, stopping the clock 56.07 on Quantador (Paul Schockemöhle, owner) for second place.
The winner noted his strategy took advantage of his horse’s big step. “My plan was, when I walked, that my horse has a big stride and is very fast in the turns. With all these turns on my horse it is possible to do one less. He turns very quickly and is also careful,” Parot explained.
This is Parot’s first time competing at the Las Vegas National Horse Show. “It’s unbelievable. Really, really nice show, nice people, nice atmosphere. Everything is good. Everything is in the same place, its crazy, no?”
RESULTS
$40,000 FEI 1.35m Las Vegas National Speed Stake, presented by Walter Oil & Gas Corporation
