Gwyneth Babington & Mark Q Earn Thrilling Victory in $10,000 Kingsland Equestrian Stake

By karoljumpernewsusa on June 7, 2023

Wellington, Florida, USA — June 04, 2023 — The $10,000 Kingsland Equestrian 1.40m Stake took place Sunday to round out June I as the feature class of the weekend. Thirteen competitors took to the course, designed by Andy Christiansen (ECU), with three riders returning for the jump-off. Gwyneth Babington (USA) and Mark Q, owned by Kevin Babington and Deirdre Bourns, emerged victorious to take home the blue ribbon.

This win was a special one for Babington, mentioning that her mount, Mark Q, is her best friend, “I’ve been with him for three years now since I took over the ride from my dad. He’s 21 now and loves his job just as much as he did in the beginning of his career, he really owes us nothing, but he keeps showing up,” says Babington. “He’s the best horse I’ve gotten to ride and he’s really my best friend!”

The first clear round of the jump-off to set the pace with a time of 46.406 seconds was Juan Jose Bancalari (DOm) and Fraxinus Des Coeuries, owned by SGH SRL. Although the duo put forth an impressive time, it was not enough to hold the title, eventually settling them into the third-place position.

**Gwyneth Babington** (USA) & **Mark Q**

Following in the footsteps of Bancalari was Babington, who piloted Mark Q through the course in 42.676 seconds, rising to the top of the leaderboard where she would remain for the rest of the competition.

Earning second place was Maya Ines Denis Chambon (MEX) and Jantien De Muze, owned by Carine Chambon and Emmanuel Denis. The pair secured the second-place podium finish with a time of 42.97 seconds.

Babington spoke to the strengths of Mark Q, mentioning, “He’s won many classes on this field in particular. I thought the course suited Q, not many went clear, but I could feel his comfort around the course.”

The 2023 Summer Series will continue with June II beginning on June 9th, 2023. For the full Summer Series Prize List, please click HERE.