TRYON, N.C.--Richie Vogel of Germany on Diatasio won the CSI5* $181,170 1.55m Qualifier on Friday, Oct. 16 during Major League Show Jumping at Tryon.

Richie Vogel on Diatasia Vogel already has a very strong string of horse, and Diatasio, at only 8 years old, adds another top youngster to that impressive group of horses.

Over the course set by Nick Granat of Canada, 13 of the  37 competitors had clear first rounds to qualify for the jump-off.

Laura Kraut on her Tokyo Olympic mount, Baloutinue was the first to go clean in round one, but she elected not to return for the jump-off, leaving 12 to jump-off.

Shane Sweetnam of Ireland on Pia Maria was the first to go clean in the jump-off, finishing in 38.09 seconds, establishing the early time to beat and ultimately placing third.

Nicholas Dello Joio on Cornet’s Cambridge finished clean in 37.62 seconds to place second.

 Bit it was Vogel on Diatasio who was the fastest clean, finishing in 36.82 seconds, more than almost a second quicker, to win.

The only other clean round, Jessica Mendoza of Great Britain on Ascadina PP Z, was fourth in 44.88.

 

DESPITE Diatasio's young age, Vogel emphasized the importance of understanding his horse and carefully managing each performance.

"I think it's very important with Diatasio only being 8 years old to really listen to your horse in each of those rounds and try to do as much as you can without doing too much," Vogel said.

Reflecting on Diatasio’s performance, Vogel highlighted the gelding’s confidence and natural ability.

"He felt very confident today. He has a lot of quality, so confidence is very important to him," Vogel said. "He's an outstanding horse. We are very lucky to have him."

Diatasio now joins Vogel's stable that includes such stars as Gangster Montdesir and United Touch S.