WELLINGTON, Fla.-Three-time Swiss Olympian Beat Mändl on Qoachella won the $215,000 CSI4* Grand Prix during Saturday Night Lights on March 14 at the Winter Equestrian Festival.

Beat Mandli on Coachella (Photo by Sportfot)This was Mändl's first Saturday Night Lights victory.

Six went clean from the field of 46 over the course set by Ken Krone.

Only two went clean in the jump-off, with the first coming from Mändli. who finished in 38.16 seconds.

Last to go, Canadian Olympian Mario Deslauriers on Genial de b’Neville was the only other clear, finishing in 38.71 seconds to place second.

 

SPAIN'S Sergio Alvarez Moya on Quadrado, the fastest of the two with four faults, was third in 36.01 seconds, with Laura Kraut on Una Mariposa fourth with four faults in 38.22.

Sara Segal on Boreale de Fondcombe was fifth, eight faults in 37.67, and Luis Fernando Larrazabal on Baroness was sixth with eight faults in 38.93.

“That was only Qoachella's second night class, and she went in and rose to the crowd," said Mändl. "She’s an amazing horse.”

Qoachella is a ride borrowed from Mändli’s student of 12 years, Katie Dinan.

“Grant Road Partners bought the horse as a 7-year-old in France, and she had done some really nice youngster classes there," said Mändli. "Katie rode her during her 7- and 8-year-old years, and then I was a bit short on horses, so she gave her to me to ride. To come out with the victory tonight for the team is obviously amazing."

“She is very clever; she knows exactly where the poles are and is very careful," he said. 'She knows what she’s doing, but she’s also very laid back.” 

“Saturday night is a highlight for everyone here," said Mändli. "The atmosphere is super with good sport, and the first one is not so easy, but I’m thrilled to get it for the horse and the whole team.”