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Despite a ‘Bit of a Struggle,’ Jennifer Gates Made Billionaire Bill Gates Proud With $30,000 Equestrian Win in 2017

Published 04/04/2023, 11:44 AM EDT

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American Business magnate, Bill Gates’ oldest daughter Jennifer Gates, is an accomplished equestrian. Jenn has been making waves in the equestrian arena since she was just a teen. From winning a series of accolades through her incredible flair, to framing a hoard full of accomplishments on her wall of fame, the 26-year-old has covered it all. Nevertheless, her biggest success came in 2017, when she stood atop the podium of the US Open Hollow Creek Fram Under 25 Grand Prix, and won hefty prize money that made her billionaire father proud.

In 2017, Jenn made many heads turn her way through her exceptional performance at the Under 25 Grand Prix. More so, the 26-year-old credits her opulent success to her Westphalian Gelding, Alex, who helped her win the reverent Grand Prix trophy. Though she faced a moment of difficulty, she made it through victoriously.

Jennifer Gates made her billionaire father proud of her success at U-25 Grand Prix

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Following her triumph at the 2017 Under 25 Grand Prix, the equestrian received a hefty prize money of $30,000. However, for her, it was not a piece of cake, as it proved tricky for her to steer Alex while crossing the hurdles. Describing her uphill battle with her gelding, the equestrian said in an interview with The Chronicle of The Horse, “He’s so sweet but he’s very sensitive, so he’s very sensitive when you get on his back. Once you’re on, he’s fabulous, but getting on is a bit of a struggle sometimes”.

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Explaining Alex’s quirkiness before the race, Jennifer conceded, “Especially when you’re in the ring, he gets amped up and is like what are you doing to me, why are you getting back on?”. Though it was a tough grind for Gates to crack the code of Alex’s aberration, she emerged victorious in the end. “When we got the horse they said he can be really difficult in the prizegivings, and I said well if I ever win anything, I am getting on him and I am doing it!”, added Jenn. 

Bill Gates’ $15,820,000 Gift Caused a Controversy Once, Leading to Equestrian Daughter Jennifer Gates Offering a ‘Sweet’ Apology

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Nonetheless, with Alex as her companion, Gates also won the USEF U25 National championships in the same year. Expressing her gratitude toward Alex, Jenn asserted, “He’s super sweet, down to earth and easygoing but you can also go fast and have a lot of confidence with that, and he’s really a sweet heart. He really tries his heart out for you and even if you make mistakes he generally leaves the jumps up, so that’s all I can ask for really”. 

Watch This Story:  Equestrian Who Won Three Olympic Medals for America Sadly Passes Away at 81

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Written by:

Purva Jain

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Purva Jain is a US Sports author for EssentiallySports. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Engineering from Mody University of Science and Technology. Purva is an avid reader and author of 3 books that are published in national and international marketplaces.
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Edited by:

Anupama Ghosh