October 21, 2022 
Honest and courageous.
That’s how Alberto Sanchez-Cozar (MEX) describes his recently acquired Holtsteiner stallion Catover.
He might add consistent.
Previously campaigned by both countryman Mario Oñate and Brazil’s Rodrigo Lambre, Catover has competed up to the 1.60m level, finishing top 10 in 26% of 69 international rounds with Lambre since 2017, according to JUMPR App. He’s most consistent performances have been at the 1.45m/1.50m level, logging a 32% top 10 finish rate.
With Sanchez Cozar in the stirrups that trend only appears to be improving.
Since taking over the ride in March this year, Sanchez-Cozar and Catover are averaging a 41% top ten finish rate over 21 completed rounds. That rate jumps to 86% at the 1.45m height, albeit in a small sampling of just six rounds.
“Every day we are better together,” said Sanchez-Cozar.
That was especially true on Thursday. The pair captured the second five star win of their six month partnership, winning the Banorte CSI5* 1.50m on opening day at Major League Show Jumping San Miguel de Allende in Mexico.
Ten of the 52 starters to contest Olaf Pederson, Jr.’s course found a clear path to advance to the jump off. Sanchez-Cozar and Catover were the only combination to cross the timers under the 40 second mark, stopping the clock at 39.26 seconds. It was over one second faster than runners up Nicolas Pizarro (MEX) and Atlantica du Soleil Z (20.47). USA’s Karl Cook and Kalinka van’t Zorgvliet took third in 40.95 seconds.
“[Thursday’s] jump off favored my horse,” said the Mexican rider.
“It’s a horse that’s a bit of a slower mover, but the jump off was quite wide and straight and I was able to leave out strides. From fence one to two I played my cards and did two fewer strides to the oxer. I turned fast and then I was able to leave out strides on all the lines.
“It was our day.”
Catch all the 5* jumping at MLSJ San Miguel de Allende on MLSJ TV.
