Chris Pratt and Edesa’s Basantos Win $350,000 HITS Thermal Grand Prix

Ph. ESI

For nearly every week thus far of the HITS Thermal Desert Circuit, in Thermal, California, Chris Pratt has picked up a significant finish or win. That’s a big statement for the Canadian-born, California-based rider and trainer who was a regular face at the grand prix level – up until a few years ago.

But now he is undoubtedly back, as Pratt finished first in the Sunday, February 7th $350,000 HITS Thermal Grand Prix aboard Edesa’s Basantos.

The biggest grand prix thus far of the West Coast’s winter circuit attracted 31 competitors to go at it over course designer Bernardo Costa Cabral’s track. Eleven qualified for the jumpoff and of those, eight were double clear.

In the race to the finish, Pratt managed to cross the finish timers in 41.140 seconds, edging Will Simpson’s 42.081 aboard Monarch International’s E-Unanime De La Haie. Nayel Nassar and Lordan finished 3rd in 42.425 seconds.

Friday’s $100,000 Purina Animal Nutrition Grand Prix had been a sign of things to come; Pratt finished 3rd in that class with Edena’s Basantos. The 9-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding is a temporary ride – Pratt is keeping him legged up for amateur rider Eddy Sepul. However, Pratt has more than one winning mount in his string. His 16-year-old gelding Cruise, winner of the 2012 Lamborghini Grand Prix at HITS Thermal, is still going strong and picked up a Week 2, $25,000 Smartpak Grand Prix victory.

HITS Thermal Week 4 is FEI rated and includes the final FEI Longines World Cup Qualifier for the North American League – West Coast.

Top Ten – $350,000 HITS Thermal Grand Prix