Press release from the Mediterranean Equestrian Tour 

The second week of Autumn MET II 2024 at Centro Ecuestre Oliva Nova in Spain concluded on Sunday with a home win for the host nation’s own Mariano Martinez Bastida and the 10-year-old gelding Jup (Carrera VDL x Silverstone) in the CSI3* 1.50m CHG – Construcciones Hispano Germanas S.A. – Grand Prix. 

“I knew there were lot of clear rounds, and some very fast riders coming after me in the jump-off, so I just tried to go as fast as I could,” Martinez Bastida said after delivering the winning time of 36.57 in a jump-off between fifteen horse-and-rider combinations. 

“Sometimes it works when I try to be fast, and today it worked!” Martinez Bastida said after leaving Koen Vereecke (BEL) and Oilily de Muze (Vigo d’Arsouilles x Ramiro Z) to second with a time of 37.88, followed by Graham Babes (GBR) and Monks I Am Casall (IM Special de Muze x Casall) in third in 38.28 seconds.

Therese Søhol Henriksen (NOR) and Santos Z (Spartacus TN x San Patrignano Cassini) placed fourth after clocking a time of 39.05, and Laura Mantel (GBR) aboard Casago du Rouet PS (Casallco x Vigo d’Arsouilles) fifth in 39.41.

“I bought him with an owner when he was eight and he was a bit green at the time,” Martinez Bastida explained about his winning ride Jup. “Jup’s development has been incredible. He has amazing potential; he is very brave and has a huge heart. He is heading with Belano and Origi to Stuttgart this evening, to compete in the World Cup there next weekend. I have high hopes for him.” 

“It’s a real pleasure to be here with my horses,” the happy winner said about the venue in Oliva Nova. “The facilities are amazing; the main arena is simply perfect with an amazing footing. All my horses are always jumping great here in Oliva; me and my horses feel good here.” 
 
The Autumn MET 2024 continues next week with the third and last week of MET II, followed by MET III in December.