Press release from Traverse City Horse Shows, edited by World of Showjumping

Francisco Goyoaga Mollet (ESP) earned his first FEI victory aboard Deacon (Casall x Numero Uno) on Friday, topping the $31,100 Avid CSI3* Speed during opening week of the Traverse City Spring Series, presented by Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel, at Flintfields Horse Park.

Goyoaga Mollet and the 10-year-old Holsteiner gelding stopped the clock in 66.63 seconds to take the win. Michael Morrissey (USA) finished second aboard Ilton Ste Hermelle (Clintissimo Z x Hemmingway) in 69.56 seconds, while Ashley Vogel (USA) and Molly Ashe Cawley ((USA) together rounded out the podium aboard Toulonia (Toulon x Cassus 2) and Lorona (Grand Slam VDL x Amadeus) respectively, when crossing the finish line in 70.74 seconds. 

The victory marked a milestone for Goyoaga Mollet and Deacon, who have been partnered for only a few months.

“It’s our first FEI win together,” said Goyoaga Mollet. “I got him about three months ago. He’s from an owner of ours, and he’s had great results. I haven’t pushed him a lot—he can go way faster.”

“I always try to be competitive,” he said. “Even when it doesn’t work out, I don’t slow down. I keep trying, and eventually it happens.”

Looking ahead, Goyoaga Mollet believes Deacon has the talent to develop into a top-level grand prix horse.

“I’m building him up to the bigger classes and grand prix level,” he explained. “He’s got the scope, he’s got the quality, and he’s already jumped a few 1.50m classes. He just needs to mature a little more.”

Traverse City has become an important stop in that development process.

“It’s one of the best places to produce horses because you’re jumping in the same ring with an amazing footing,” said Goyoaga Mollet. “The horses get used to these jumps and mature a lot. I love coming here to produce horses.”

With Friday’s speed competition complete, attention now turns to Saturday’s $116,500 Four G Surfaces CSI3* Grand Prix, the featured event of opening week of the Traverse City Spring Series.