What a fantastic start to the 2024 eventing season at Mata Do Duque in sunny Portugal! The organisers of the Spring Tour have put in tremendous effort to prepare the venue for international competition, marking its return after a hiatus of two decades. This year, Mata Do Duque has taken over the reins from Barroca d’Alva which sadly is no longer on the calendar.
As always, the hospitality provided in Portugal is a key feature of the event. After the prize-giving ceremony, a mouthwatering paella, prepared for all attendees.
The return of the Spring Tour to Mata Do Duque has undoubtedly been a triumph, breathing new life into the eventing season. The dedication and hard work of the organizers have paid off, and relaunched Portugal’s importance on the eventing calendar.
A win for Portugal in the CCI3*S
Joaquim GRAVE riding LET’S WIN (POR) wins the CCI3*S at Mata Do Duque ©Irish Eventing Times
No combination finished within the time allowed on the cross country, but the fastest time was produced by Portugal’s Joaquim Grave riding the very aptly named LET’S WIN, who added only 2.4 time penalties to their dressage score to finish on the winning score of 36.0.
Hedwig WIKSTROM riding CHIARA’S CHARM (FIN)
Mata do Duque 17-20 Feb2024. ©Irish Eventing Times
Hedwig Wikstrom riding CHIARA’S CHARM (FIN) added 0.8 time penalties in the showjumping and 10.8 time penalties in the cross country to finish on 47.3, to take second
Alberto GIUGNI riding GALWAYBAY TALENT (ITA). ©Irish Eventing Times
Alberto Giugni riding GALWAYBAY TALENT (ITA) finished on 54.0 to take third. GALWAYBAY TALENT is an Irish Sport Horse Sire: Mermus | Dam: Doughiska Lass by Kannan |Breeder: Justin Burke; GALWAY
CCI2*S
Emma SCHONVANDT ALARCOS riding QREAM Z (ESP)
Mata do Duque 17-20 Feb2024 ©Irish Eventing Times
Only 3.1 penalties separated the top three in the CCI2*S.
Spain’s Young Rider, Emma Schonvandt Alarcos riding QREAM Z added just four penalties in the showjumping to finish on the winning score of 32.
Francisco GAVINO GONZALEZ riding ACADEMICO DEL CERRO (ESP) ©Irish Eventing Times
Fellow Spanish rider, Francisco Gavino Gonzalez riding ACADEMICO DEL CERRO finished on 34.2 to take second slot.
Ryuzo KITAJIMA riding CEKATINKA JRA (JPN) -6616.jpg
Mata do Duque 17-20 Feb2024. Santo Estevão Portugal 2024-02-20 ©Irish Eventing Times
Japan’s Ryuzo Kitajima riding CEKATINKA JRA, picked up two time penalties on the cross country to finish in third place on 35.4.
CCI1*-Intro
Anna HASSO riding BALUN DEARG (SWE)
Mata do Duque 17-20 Feb2024. ©Irish Eventing Times
The winner of this section was Anna Hasso riding BALUN DEARG for Sweden, who finished on 37.1.
Francisco GAVINO GONZALEZ riding ACADEMICO DEL CERRO 31 02 (ESP) -6111.jpg
Mata do Duque 17-20 Feb2024. ©Irish Eventing Times
Second place was taken by Francisco Gavino Gonzalez riding ACADEMICO DEL CERRO 31 02 (ESP) finishing on 37.9
Marcelino CARDENAS SALAZAR riding DARWIN BK (PER) © irish Eventing Times
In third place was Marcelino Cardenas Salazar riding DARWIN BK (PER)
A job well done. The hard-working officials at Mata do Duque ©Irish Eventing Times
A short impression of the event
A few words with Event Director Kiko Stilwell, who now is getting ready for the second leg of the tour.
