Chris Pratt and Cruise race past Susie Hutchison for the Win in the $30,000 California Horsetrader Grand Prix at the 2010 Del Mar International Horse Show

October 24, 2010 – Del Mar, California – Chris Pratt of Lake View Terrace outraced 11 others in the 12 horse jump off Saturday night in the $30,000 California Horsetrader Grand Prix. The first round saw a starting field of 48 tackle the Leopoldo Palacios course. Palacios of Caracas, Venezuela is one of the world's most respected designers, having done the courses for two Olympic Games (Sydney and Hong Kong) and countless other major International events.

The competition, conducted at the National standard saw many riders competing on young horses, many making their Grand Prix debut. The course produced faults throughout and while challenging, gave the youngsters a great opportunity to show in the beautiful Del Mar arena under the lights.

The jump-off had rider representation from seven different countries. Nicole Simpson riding Santika owned by Harrison Farms, LLC was the first to jump clear in a time of 46.963. The rounds just kept getting faster and faster. Mark Watring, the only rider to qualify two for the tie breaker, put in a blistering round on HorseWorks Etc's Green Sleeps Vioco that seemed to be unbeatable but would eventually have to settle for third place.

Chris Pratt on Indigo Farm's Cruise mastered the track riding flat out in an incredible time of 39.89.

Riding second to last, Susie Hutchison on El Dorado's Cantano put in a brilliant effort (41.148) but fell short and ended the night in second.

Earlier in the week Crista Endicott aboard Davlyn Farm's Maranello captured the blue in the $5000 Del Mar International Hunter Classic held Friday evening in the Del mar Arena.

Click here for full 2010 Del Mar International results.

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