Wellington, Fla. – October 15, 2026—The 2026 Wellington International Annual Series wrapped up another week of Fall competition, with only two weeks remaining on the grass derby field at Equestrian Village. Read on for the latest headlines, learn who’s been winning and find out what to look forward to.
In Case You Missed It
Photo © Ashley Neuhof
2026 Winter Equestrian Festival Generates $607.3 Million in Economic Impact for Palm Beach County
The 2026 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) generated $607.3 million (a 13% increase from 2025) to Palm Beach County’s gross domestic product (GDP) through spending by equestrians and visitors, according to a new economic impact study prepared for the Palm Beach County Sports Commission. The 2026 numbers highlight a $1.5 billion impact on the county over the last three years. READ MORE
What’s New at the 2027 Winter Equestrian Festival
The Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) returns to Wellington International in 2027 for a milestone season: its 50th Anniversary. Across the 200 acres that make up the North and South properties, athletes and guests will find upgraded competition rings and expanded classes. READ MORE
Inside the New Derby Field at Wellington International South
The new Derby Field at Wellington International South is designed to deliver an exceptional natural grass surface for horses and athletes while creating an unforgettable setting for equestrian sport. In a new behind-the-scenes video, internationally renowned equestrian surface designer Richard Hayden, principal consultant at Hayden Turfcare, explains the research, engineering and innovation behind the field. WATCH HERE
Palm Beach County Nonprofits Invited to Apply for 2027 Great Charity Challenge
One night. World-class show jumping. Millions of dollars in unrestricted funding, handed directly to the nonprofits doing the work. Galloping into its 18th year, the Great Charity Challenge (GCC), sponsored by Fidelity Investments®, is calling on Palm Beach County’s nonprofit community to apply for the chance to receive a share of the evening’s proceeds—no strings attached. WATCH HERE
What’s Coming Up
Only two weeks of competition remain on the grass derby field at Equestrian Village. Who will go down in history as the final winners on the field? It could be you! Click for schedules/entry information.
Final Weeks
Fall Circuit II: 10/15 – 10/18
Fall Circuit III: 10/22 – 10/25
Coming Up: Holiday Series at Wellington International
Competition soon returns to the main Wellington International showgrounds, home of the famed Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). Prepare for WEF 2027 during the following weeks!
Fall Circuit Finale: 10/28 – 11/1
November l: 11/6 – 11/8
Pre-Charity CSl3*: 1/11 – 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 Ill: 12/16 – 12/20
Holiday Circuit Finale: 12/31- 1/3/27
Learn more about the Annual Series HERE.
Catch Up at Equestrian Village
Ben Merritt of Loxahatchee, Fla., rode to victory on the derby field to close out Fall I competition in the $10,000 CCTV Grand Prix. He piloted LLC Kannan Cavalier, a 10-year-old Irish-bred gelding by Kannan, for owner Annie Erwin.
Ben Merritt & LCC Kannan Cavalier. Photo © Sportfot
“I’ve maybe shown this horse ten times, but little by little, it’s starting to go our way,” said Merrit, who got the ride on LCC Kannan Cavalier three months ago. “In the ring, he tries really hard, is so careful, so fast and has a big step.”
The jump-off was a two-horse battle over Jason Shelley’s tie-breaking course. German Camargo finished in second just two tenths of a second off the winning pace (50.988), but with a pole lying on the turf. Merrit’s winning time was 50.952 seconds.
“I looked at the jump-off and thought it didn’t really suit him because there was a lot of galloping, but with only two in it you have to be quick enough, but not too risky,” continued Merritt, who plans to soon step the gelding up to the international level in two-star FEI competition. “It worked out; we made a run for the last, and today it went our way.”
Ben Merritt & LCC Kannan Cavalier are presented as winners of the $10,000 CCTV Grand Prix. Photo © Sportfot
For complete results of the $10,000 CCTV Grand Prix, click HERE.
Highlighting summer hunter competition, Marcus Au of Boca Raton, Fla., claimed a high-point award for the Summer Series USHJA National Hunter Derbies, presented by Parlanti. He earned six top-five placings on four different horses throughout the summer season, with wins coming on Storm Cat, owned by Catomine Farm, and Conphebe, owned by Carriage Hill Farm.
“Professionally, this award means a lot to me because it rewards consistent rounds throughout the whole season on a group of different, nice horses from a couple different owners who help and support me,” said Au after receiving his award. “I started as a working student from the time I was 11 and then all the way through my junior years until I became a professional. To now be showing consistently in the derbies means a lot, let alone winning.”
Au was presented with a $1,000 Parlanti gift card by Claudia Ortiz and Francesco Iannelli.
Marcus Au (center) is honored with the High Point USHJA Hunter Derby Award by Claudia Ortiz (left) and Francesco Iannelli (right). Photo © Sportfot
To view complete results from Fall I, 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.
