1. The $100,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Leon class kicks off at the Ban Bajio Classic CSI4*-W today at 2:30PM Central Time on FEITV.org.
2. The venue, the Leon’s Equestrian Club, opens for show jumping competition for the first time in 15 years.
3. Brazilian Anderson de Moura Lima is the course designer for the CSI4*-W on Saturday afternoon. He’s also designed courses at HITS venues all across the United States as well as other top venues in North America.
4. The host city, León, Mexico, is known in part for its international hot air balloon festival. Leon is also considered one of the most environmentally friendly cities in Mexico, in large part due the influx of bike trails and lanes throughout the area.
5. Francisco Pasquel won the qualifier class on Thursday and his brother Patricio Pasquel finished third. The brothers are active in the Mexican show jumping scene and played significant roles in bringing these top-quality FEI events to Mexico. Pasquel worked with experts to make this field at The Leon Equestrian Club inviting for the world class athletes. “The same person who helped us get the grass to the top level for the Global Champions Tour worked on this field for a year. It couldn’t be better. I’m so impressed with how it bounces, holds and how it gives,” Pasquel says. “It is a top, top show. I’m really grateful that the FEI believed in us and gave us a WorldCupTM event at this venue.”
6. Twenty-three riders from five different countries are slated to compete this afternoon.
