March 28, 2024 – Katy, TX – Nicolas Gamboa earned his first-ever grand prix win at the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show in 2022, and as of Wednesday, March 27, he has now notched five additional Pin Oak grand prix victories in the short time since then. His sixth win came aboard NKH Vittorio S, owned by NKH LLC, in the $25,000 Fairway Farm Grand Prix during Pin Oak I.
On his way to his most recent win, Gamboa and NKH Vittorio S were one of 11 entries to qualify to jump off over the Manuel Esparza-designed short course, and from there, speed was the name of the game.
When Gamboa returned to the Main Ring at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center as the final rider, the time to beat had been set at 39.287 seconds by Avery Griffin on Candy of Picobello Z – with no other riders having crossed the finish in under 40 seconds. Gamboa, however, made short work of Griffin’s time, clearing the timers in a winning 37.492 seconds.
In addition to the $25,000 Fairway Farm Grand Prix win, that finish time also secured Gamboa the victory in the $10,000 1.40m U25 Grand Prix held concurrently. Taking second place in both classes was Griffin. Third place in the $25,000 Grand Prix went to Alwaleed Alrashid, who finished with a jump-off time of 40.171 seconds aboard RSH Grand-Dessert.
“NKH Vittorio S has been in our string for a little while now,” said Gamboa of the 10-year-old Holsteiner gelding. “He just came from a tour in California with us. He jumped a few international classes out there. He’s come a long way. He’s actually been second in a couple of grand prix classes now and a couple ranking classes, so I’m finally happy that he got that blue ribbon!”
Gamboa continued, “The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show has been great for Texas. I know it’s been around a lot longer than I’ve been alive, so I’m very pleased to be able to support the show. I know they give quite a bit to charity, and that’s always a great thing…This show has always been very good to me. I won my first grand prix here a couple years ago on NKH Mr. Darcy, and every year, I always look forward to thinking about those memories again and trying to keep it going.”
In addition to his ribbons and awards, as the winner, Gamboa was presented with a gift certificate for a free equine spa treatment from Peak Performance Equine Spa. For full results from Wednesday’s class, click here or visit HorseShowsOnline.com.
Competition at the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show continues through Sunday, April 14, with highlights of Week I including a $30,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby on Thursday, March 28, and the $30,000 Texas Children’s Grand Prix on Friday, March 29, beginning at 7 p.m. To learn more, visit www.PinOak.org.
About the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show
Recognized as a US Equestrian Heritage Competition, the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show is one of the oldest and most prestigious horse shows in the United States. Today, the show features three weeks of top-caliber hunter/jumper events and one week of breed show competition at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy, TX.