Press release from Desert International Horse Park

Alberto Michan (ISR) secured himself a win in the CSI5* action at Desert International Horse Park on Thursday with Eduardo Leon’s 16-year-old Bugatti. The duo sped to the top of the $9,000 Morning Star Sporthorses CSI5* Speed in a time of 65.29 seconds.

“I’m so happy to have a chance to ride this horse,” Michan, rider for the DIHP Roadrunners, said of the former ride of Germany’s Wilhelm Genn. “As we all know, Bugatti is famous, and he’s done so much in his life. He’s had an excellent sport career. I’m able to have a few of his last rounds with him but he still feels very energetic, very sound, and very happy to be out here. He likes to be in the ring and likes to perform and it’s a blessing he can still be here and keep performing.”

Bugatti has had the same owner for his whole life in Eduardo Leon, who gave Michan the ride earlier this year. “He’s a passionate, amazing owner,” Michan said of Leon. “He’s enjoyed this horse a lot and it was very nice that he was in Otomí and Monterrey this year, and at both venues the horse won. He was there to receive the prize and enjoy it. It brought a big smile to his face. Bugatti has brought a lot of smiles to Eduardo and he has been a very loyal and good owner.”

At 16, the Warmblood gelding is still eager to compete and shows his personality every step of the way. “It’s very funny because in the stable he’s very lazy and calm,” Michan continued. “As soon as he knows he’s going to the show, he puts his tongue out and he gets very bloody. In the awards ceremony he’s so impatient but he’s normally the most relaxed horse. It’s part of him; he’s excited to win. He’s just a lovely horse.”

Kyle King (USA) took second with Chess, owned by The Chess Group, while Erynn Ballard (CAN) claimed third with Quilana Denfer, owned by Ilan Ferder.

The Irish anthem played again Thursday morning after a different Coyle won the $37,300 Pomponio Ranch CSI2* Speed. This time, it was Jordan Coyle (IRL) in the irons aboard Costa Diam, owned by Elan Farm, taking the win. Their time of 67.08 seconds just narrowly squeezed past second-place finishers Arturo Parada (MEX) and Signe Otsby’s Quidamo 10, with a time of 67.15 seconds. Rupert Winkelmann (GER) and Duverie, owned by Eickendorf Horses, took third.