Westport, Connecticut — June 18, 2026 — Colin Syquia (PHI) arrived at the Fairfield June Show hoping for some positive mileage for the talented young jumper, Bacardi Royal Z. Sandra O’Donnell’s 7-year-old Zangersheide gelding exceeded expectations, jumping to the top of the Pablo Mejia Equestrian Welcome Stake Thursday at the Fairfield June Show.
The pair crossed the timers of Chris Jones‘ (CAN) short track in an uncatchable 30.450 seconds. Daniel Bluman (ISR) finished narrowly behind with Apardi’s Gem BD (30.665s), followed by Diego Perez Bilbao (ESP) with California Pie (31.746s).
“We purchased [Bacardi Royal Z] in the fall of last year. He’s just turning seven,” Syquia said. “He didn’t come over until basically [the winter show season], so we got him started in Florida, and he did a little bit of the 7-year-old [division]. We’ve been going slowly with him, but I think he’s really talented.”
Seven combinations advanced to the jump-off from a first round track that utilized the expanse of the Manestream Grand Prix Field, featuring long, winding lines and ample gallop lanes. The race on the clock heated up as four pairs produced clear rounds again in the jump-off. Syquia ultimately shaved just enough time off the clock to prove uncatchable.
“I thought the field was fantastic. The footing was great, and the weather was perfect,” Syquia said. “It was a nice introduction to a little bit bigger course than we’ve had all week and hopefully it’s a good prelude to the Grand Prix on Saturday.”
In its 102nd year, the Fairfield June Show is recognized by US Equestrian as a Heritage competition, the highest honor that can be bestowed on a horse show. The event, also a World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) competition, runs through Saturday, June 20, featuring the $15,000 Friends of Fairfield Grand Prix.
Syquia keeps busy at the show, with mounts in both the hunter and jumper rings, as well as a group of students. His latest win adds to a long list of event accolades that dates back to childhood.
“I don’t want to count, really, but I’ve been coming here a long time,” Syquia said, tongue in cheek. “It’s just part of my growing up, and part of the horse culture [in the area], so anytime they have this June show, I’m going to try to come.
“I love the field, I love the grass, I love the double hunter jumps, and I just love the atmosphere,” he added. “People come to watch…It just has a great vibe to it, and the people behind the show really want it to do well, so it makes you want to support it.”
Syquia’s fondness toward Fairfield’s history matches the excitement he has about what might be ahead for his winning mount.
“I’m going to keep building him up, taking my time, [and] letting him tell me a little bit [when he’s ready to step up,” Syquia said. “Not to jinx anything, but I hope he’ll be ready for big sport someday.”
Final Results — Welcome Stake
1) Colin Syquia (PHI) & Bacardi Royal Z — 0 / 0 — 30.450
2) Daniel Bluman (ISR) & Apardi’s Gem BD — 0 / 0 — 30.665
3) Diego Perez Bilbao (ESP) & California Pie — 0 / 0 — 31.746
Source: Press Release by Catie Staszak / Catie Staszak Media for Fairfield June Show
Photo: © SEL Photography
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