Double Feature Success: Ward and Nassar Headline Thanksgiving Day FEI Action
Thanksgiving week wasted no time building momentum as 98 horses jogged for FEI inspection ahead of the start of the ESP Holiday & Horses CSI4* competition. With the lineup set and anticipation high, the stage is set for a fast, competitive, and exciting week in the International Arena.
Thanksgiving Day welcomed a strong start to FEI competition as riders returned to the International Arena for the first major class of the week: the $6,000 FEI CSI4* FEI 1.40m Thursday Opener – Two Phase, sponsored by Bainbridge Companies. The early contest set the tone for an exciting holiday schedule, with Great Britain’s Jake Ward and Dori 66 rising to the occasion. The pair produced smooth trips across both phases, stopping the timers at 44.17 seconds in Phase 1 and 29.7 seconds in Phase 2 to claim the first win of the day. Tiffany Foster (CAN) and Battlecry, owned by Artisan Farms, LLC and Kent Farrington, LLC, followed close behind to secure the second-place position. Rounding out the podium was Ireland’s Shane Sweetnam aboard Coriaan van Klapscheut Z, a horse owned jointly by Sweetnam and Voquest, LLC, putting two veteran nations firmly in the mix early in the day.
Jake Ward & “Dori 66” presented as winners of the $6,000 FEI CSI4* FEI 1.40m Thursday Opener – Two Phase, sponsored by Bainbridge Companies. © Sportfot
Momentum continued to build as the next feature stepped into the ring: the $32,000 FEI CSI4* Holiday & Horses FEI 1.45m Two Phase Special, sponsored by LeMieux. The class delivered speed, precision, and international depth, with Egypt’s Nayel Nassar topping the field aboard Dorado de Riverland, owned by Evergate Stables, LLC. Nassar stopped the clocks in 35.98 seconds in Phase 1 and 36.31 seconds in Phase 2, a performance that held strong through the remaining entries. Jad Dana (LBN) and Leonidas, owned by Burr Associates, LLC, secured second after a lightning-fast 35.99-second opening, followed by 38.56 in the jump-off phase to secure the runner-up position. Just fractions behind, Ansgar Holtgers Jr. piloted Kantibes to third for Gut Einhaus, LLC, recording times of 36.91 and 38.72 seconds across the two segments.
Nayel Nassar & “Dorado de Riverland” presented as winners of the $32,000 FEI CSI4* Holiday & Horses FEI 1.45m Two Phase Special, sponsored by LeMieux. © Wellington International // Cassidy Klein
Mallevaey Masters the $117,000 Holiday & Horses CSI4* Qualifier
The $117,000 FEI CSI4* Holiday & Horses Qualifier, sponsored by BrainJava, came down to fractions of a second as riders chased the clock in a thrilling jump-off. Ultimately, it was France’s Nina Mallevaey and My Clementine, owned by the Rein Family, LLC, who rose to the top with an electric round in 36.42 seconds. Their sharp turns and forward rhythm left no room for challenge, earning them the win in standout form.
Nina Mallevaey & “My Clementine”, in the $117,000 FEI CSI4* Holiday & Horses Qualifier, sponsored by BrainJava © Wellington International // Cassidy Klein
Narrow margins decided the remaining podium spots. Chris Pratt (CAN) delivered a smooth, clear performance aboard Ideaal Es, owned by Take the High Road, LLC, to finish second in 36.96 seconds. Ireland’s Philip McGuane and Orphea HQ, owned by Evergate Stables, LLC, followed closely, securing third with a time of 37.01 seconds. Just half a second separated the top three, reflecting the depth and competitiveness of the CSI4* field.
Nina Mallevaey & “My Clementine”, presented as winners of the $117,000 FEI CSI4* Holiday & Horses Qualifier, sponsored by BrainJava © Wellington International // Cassidy Klein
Strong Scores Carry Isop & Selene to the $15,000 USHJA International Regional Championship Victory
Hannah Isop (USA) and Selene, owned by Christine Watkins, claimed top honors in the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby Regional Championship, presented by Bainbridge Companies. The pair delivered standout performances across both rounds, earning scores of 173 and 192 for a commanding 365 total. Jennifer Hannan secured the red ribbon aboard Cellestino, owned by Stephanie Bulger, with consistent scores of 148 and 188 to finish on 336 overall. Rounding out the top three was Christopher Payne riding Reign, owned by Provence, LLC, who posted scores of 174 and 151 for a final score of 325.
Hannah Isop & “Selene”, presented as winners of the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby Regional Championship, presented by Bainbridge Companies © Wellington International // Grace Klement
