Wellington, Fla. – September 28, 2026—Israeli Olympian Ashlee Bond, based in Wellington, Fla., closed out the Rita & Irish Flynn Memorial by winning the $15,000 ProElite Grand Prix during the final week of the Summer Series at Wellington International on Sunday. The victory was the fourth win during the 2026 Annual Series for Bond’s mount Comme Ci Comme Ca, a nine-year-old Irish-bred mare (Comme Il Faut 5 X Diarado) owned by Agrippina Farms.
Ashlee Bond & Comme Ci Comme Ca. Photo © Cassidy Klein/Wellington International
The Annual Series features hunter, jumper and equitation competition at Wellington International, home of the famed Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). The Fall Series kicks off October 1 and runs through November 15. Learn more about the Annual Series HERE, and view the Fall Prize List HERE.
Bond took over the reins on Comme Ci Comme Ca at the start of the year. “She had some two-star experience as an eight-year-old, but we are focused on forming a partnership,” said Bond. “She’s super careful, very fast, very game, but definitely is one of those horses where you need to form a bond and partnership for her to trust you.”
After the spring and summer seasons, Bond admits that “Cece now trusts me 100% and has been top two in every class she’s done for the last couple months—it’s unbelievable how good she is.”
When asked how the mare handled the change in venue from the grass derby field to the VanKampen Covered Arena due to weather, Bond explained, “The indoor is right up her alley because she turns so well, and she’s naturally quick. Her stride may not be the biggest, but it has gotten bigger with the work we’ve been doing. She’s an amazing ranking horse, and that’s where she’s happy, so my goal is to keep her there at 1.45m.”
Ashlee Bond & Comme Ci Comme Ca, winners of the $15,000 ProElite Grand Prix. Photo © Cassidy Klein/Wellington International
From an eight-horse jump-off designed by Hector Loyola, Bond and her speedy mare took the win by more than three full seconds. Comme Ci Comme Ca stopped the clock at 35.151 seconds ahead of Luis Fernando Larrazabal riding Baroness for owner Leeann Abkin. They broke the beam at 38.573 seconds. Simon Arango capped the top three in 39.814 seconds aboard his own Kadar HBC.
After a move from the West Coast a few seasons ago, Bond now calls Wellington home and is utilizing the 2026 Annual Series to introduce several future stars to the competition ring.
“This is home, so during the summer instead of me schooling at the farm, I can school at the show,” said Bond. “I can also give the young horses experience—the horse I rode earlier is seven and only started showing in June. The fact that she just did this, it’s thanks to being here because I was able to come out and train. You get the competition without the pressure—I love it.”
For complete results from the $15,000 ProElite Grand Prix, click HERE.
Catch Up on Who Won What
Highlighting early-week jumper action, Andrea Torres opened the Rita & Irish Flynn Memorial by winning the Bainbridge Companies 1.40m in the irons of her own Picara Polka Amouretta, and Gwyneth Babington topped the Haig Landscape 1.25m riding GHM Jacquart du Seigneur, owned by Gianluca Caron.
Andrea Torres & Picara Polka Amouretta, winners of the Bainbridge Companies 1.40m. Photo © Cassidy Klein/Wellington International
Abigail McArdle won the 1.35m Stake, presented by CCTV Agent, aboard Olympia van het Eikenhof for owner Sweetwater Jumpers, and Kylie Wilson topped the Arthramid by Contura Vet 1.30m Junior/Amatuer Classic riding her own Larderello.
Abigail McArdle & Olympia van het Eikenhof winners of the 1.35m Stake, presented by CCTV Agent. Photo © Cassidy Klein/Wellington International
Hunters took to the $1,500 USHJA National Hunt & Go Derby, presented by Parlanti, won by Debra Ward aboard Tavish, owned by Cinthia Ane-McGreevy. In a popular hunt & go format, Ward rode Tavish to a handy score of 86 for the win on a total of 168, beating runner-up Emma Ensor and Monopoly 40 with a 156 for owner Lana Tomlinson.
Debra Ward & Tavish. Photo © Grace Klement/Wellington International
Debra Ward & Tavish, winners of the $1,500 USHJA National Hunt & Go Derby, presented by Parlanti. Photo © Grace Klement/Wellington International
Closing out the week, Vivianne Kassin was honored as the recipient of the Rita & Irish Flynn Memorial Trophy. Presented by Rita’s daughters, Karen and Mary Flynn, the award recognizes the individual who best exemplifies Rita Flynn by being courteous and prompt. Kassin is the head trainer at Elysian Stables and was recognized for setting an example by being prepared and timely, helping to keep the show running smoothly.
Vivianne Kassin (far left) was honored as the recipient of the Rita & Irish Flynn Memorial Trophy by Rita’s daughters, Karen and Mary Flynn. Photo © Cassidy Klein/Wellington International
To view complete results from the Rita & Irish Flynn Memorial, click HERE. For champion and reserve titles, click HERE. Visit WellingtonInternational.com to view results, schedules and streaming schedules for the Wellington International Annual Series.
What’s Coming Up at Equestrian Village
October Show: 10/1 – 10/4
Fall Circuit I: 10/8 – 10/11
Fall Circuit II: 10/15 – 10/18
Fall Circuit III: 10/22 – 10/25
Holiday Series at Wellington International
Competition returns to the main Wellington International showgrounds, home of the famed Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). Here’s how you can prepare for WEF 2027!
Fall Circuit Finale: 10/28 – 11/1
November I: 11/6 – 11/8
Pre-Charity CSl3*: 11/11 – 11/15
South Florida Hunter Jumper Association: Charity Show 11/18 – 11/22
Holiday & Horses CSl4*: 11/25 – 11/29
Year End Awards Show: 12/4 – 12/6
Holiday Festival II: 12/9 – 12/13
Holiday Festival III: 12/16 – 12/20
Holiday Circuit Finale: 12/31- 1/3/27
