WELLINGTON, Fla.--In a victory as much for Kevin Babington as for his daughter Gwyneth, Gwyneth rode Mark Q, owned by Kevin Babington and Deirdre Bourns, to win the $10,000 1.40m Stake on the grass field at the first of the Wellington Summer Series on June 1.

Gwyneth Babington on Mark Q (Photo by Cassidy Klein)Kevin has turned to training since being seriously injured in a fall in 2019 at the Hampton Classic Horse Show that left him paralysed, and he not only trains his daughter but also made Mark Q, on whom he competed in numerous Nations Cup classes.

Kevin has undergone extensive surgical interventions to move his recoveryforward and is now experiencing feeling in his ankle, back, and toes.

There has been movement and sensation where there was not prior to the procedures.

Kevin is now capable of moving around in his wheelchair.

Thirteen competed over the course, designed by Andy Christiansen of Ecuador), with three riders returning for the jump-off in the 1.40m Stake.

 

THIS WIN was a special one for Babington, who said 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," said Gwyneth."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.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 Bancalariof the Dominican Republic on Fraxinus Des Coeuries, to, eventually place third.

Babington on Mark Q was clean in 42.676 seconds for the win, and Maya Ines Denis Chambon of Mexico on Jantien De Muze was second, clean in 42.97 seconds.

“Mark Q has won many classes on this field in particular," said Babington. "I thought the course suited Q, not many went clear, but I could feel his comfort around the course.”