Del Mar, California, United States – May 03, 2025 – The 2025 Hits Del Mar National Horse Show kicked off an exciting season at the iconic Hits Del Mar Horse Park in Del Mar, California. The prestigious event is one of the most highly anticipated on the West Coast, garnering a USEF Heritage Show designation, and drawing some of the sport’s most talented athletes. The week’s highlight event, the $80,000 Grand Prix of Del Mar, presented by Core Specialty Insurance, featured on Saturday May 3, where Nick Gegen (USA) and One Question solved the challenging track,  captivating spectators with a commanding performance to claim victory.

Course designer Mark McGowan (GBR) crafted a technical first-round track, featuring delicate combinations and efficient rollback turns to test riders’ precision. From the talented field of 36 horse-and-rider combinations, only three advanced to the all-deciding jump-off. In a thrilling finale, two duos once again delivered clear rounds, setting the stage for an exciting finish. Ultimately, it was Gegen and One Question that put the pedal to the metal, racing through the timers in 44.686 seconds for the win. 

“He’s honest and loves his job,” said Gegen of the 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Daniel x Quiton) owned by Neaulani Farms. “I just try to stay out of his way and let him do what he does best. He won a class here on the grass last year, and he really seems to enjoy this venue.

“My wife gave me the ride on this horse, and I truly dedicate this win to her and my family,” he continued. “I wouldn’t have been able to do it without them.”

At just 23 years of age, young talent Melody Liu (USA) and Napoleon van den Dael, a 12-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding (For Passion D’ive Z x Eros Platiere) owned by Corsari Equestrian, finished just off the pace, producing the only other double-clear round in 44.825 seconds for second place honors.

Ali Ramsay (CAN) and Conrado 12, the 12-year-old Zangersheide gelding (Cardento 933 x Diardo) she owns with David Sport Horses Inc, ticked two unfortunate rails in the jump-off to round out the top three in 45.715 seconds.

Final Results – $80,000 Grand Prix of Del Mar

1) Nick Gegen (USA) & One Question – 0 / 0 – 44.686

2) Melody Liu (USA) & Napoleon van den Dael – 0 / 0 – 44.825

3) Ali Ramsay (CAN) & Conrado 12 – 0 / 0 – 45.715

Source: Press Release from Hits Horse Shows

Photo: © Hits Horse Shows / High Desert Photo

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