Nayel Nassar and Acita Victorious in the $25,000 in Las Vegas

Nayel Nassar and Acita (Photo: McCool Photography)

Las Vegas, NV- In 2015, Gregg and Evette Delong of Interactive Mortgage, along with Blenheim EquiSports, introduced the Interactive Mortgage U25 Series and Final. Now in its second year, participation has doubled, illustrating the importance of offering this opportunity to young riders stepping up to the next level.

Culminating a superb qualifying season, nineteen under twenty-five riders competed in the $25,000 Interactive Mortgage U25 Final. With five returning for the jump-off, it was Egypt's Nayel Nassar aboard his up and coming nine-year-old Holsteiner mare Acita that couldn't be beat.

The Guilherme Jorge track was set just right for the class. Said Nassar, "The course was brilliant. Nothing too big, but he kept you thinking the whole way."

Evette and Gregg DeLong, Lauren Davis, Stephanie Wheeler and Melissa Brandes (Photo: McCool Photography)

Third to go in the jump-off round, Nassar had to set a time to beat for contenders Tina Yates and Mavis Spencer who came next in the order. "I know they can be fast, so I wanted to put the pressure on," he explained. "And Acita jumped so well."

Yates and HKC Collection LLC's Cicomein VDL had the time but caught a rail coming in to the final combination. Last to go, Spencer riding Old Oak Farm's Baldeur, chose to go the conservative clean route, finishing second.

RESULTS

$25,000 Interactive Mortgage U25 Developing Rider Series Finals