The ESP Holiday Finale marked the conclusion of the Holiday Series at Wellington International, closing out the final week of national competition before a brief pause for the holidays. Following the week off, attention will quickly turn to the start of the 2026 Winter Equestrian Festival, which officially kicks off on December 31st with Premiere Week, ushering in another full season of top-level competition.
Opening the ESP Holiday Finale week was the $10,000 Bainbridge Companies 1.40m Open Stake, which welcomed a competitive field of 37 entries. USA’s Tanner Korotkin claimed top honors aboard Cardozo 4, owned by Todd Minikus LTD, stopping the jump-off clock in a winning time of 33.182 seconds. Close behind was Chile’s Samuel Parot Jr. riding Tiffany De Olid, owned by himself, who delivered a clear round in 33.697 seconds to take second place. Rounding out the podium was Venezuela’s Luis Fernando Larrazabal aboard Ribery, owned by Sabrina Lefebvre, finishing third with a clear jump-off time of 33.748 seconds.
Tanner Korotkin & “Cardozo 4” presented as winners of the $10,000 Bainbridge Companies 1.40m Open Stake © Wellington International // Cassidy Klein
Friday’s $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby (Hunt-N-Go), presented by Perfect Products, showcased strong performances across both rounds of competition. Leading the class was Elizabeth Rinehart (USA) and Talk, owned by Charlotte Rossetter, who earned scores of 89.5 and 89 to secure the win with a total of 178.5. Laura Bowery (USA) followed closely in second aboard In Bocca Al Lupo, owned by Mare Eyfee LLC, posting scores of 90 and 87 for a combined 177. Canada’s Denis Sweeney rounded out the top three with Hennessy, owned by Jordan Riley, delivering consistent double-88 scores for a final total of 176.
Elizabeth Rinehart and “Talk” presented as winners of the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby (Hunt-N-Go), presented by Perfect Products © Wellington International // Grace Klement
Saturday night’s $50,000 Arion Sellier National Grand Prix delivered top-level sport and international depth under the lights at Wellington International, complemented by a lively Exhibitor Party presented by Mike Nicodema and Greenberg Traurig in the International Club. As competition unfolded in the International Arena, guests gathered to enjoy food, holiday cheer, and photo opportunities with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. During the evening, Mike Nicodema addressed attendees, thanking the exhibitors and sharing his appreciation for being part of the Wellington International team, adding to the celebratory atmosphere surrounding the night’s feature class.
The Grand Prix featured a challenging track designed by FEI Level 3 course designer Catsy Cruz (MEX). The course consisted of 13 obstacles and 16 efforts, testing scope, accuracy, and rideability under the lights in the International Arena. From a strong starting field, 10 combinations advanced to the jump-off, showcasing a global lineup with riders representing Spain, Chile, Ireland, Venezuela, Brazil, Australia, Jordan, Belgium, and beyond.
Francisco Goyoaga Mollet and “PST De Muze” in the $50,000 Arion Sellier National Grand Prix © Wellington International // Cassidy Klein
Ultimately, Spain’s Francisco Goyoaga Mollet claimed the lion’s share of the prize money aboard PST De Muze, owned by Sigma Stables. The pair delivered a sharp and efficient jump-off round, stopping the clock in a winning time of 33.341 seconds.
Francisco Goyoaga Mollet and “PST De Muze” in the $50,000 Arion Sellier National Grand Prix © Wellington International // Cassidy Klein
Finishing close behind was Carly Anthony (USA) with Mullentine Shalom, owned by Ilan Ferder, who produced a clear jump-off in 33.783 seconds to secure second place. Rounding out the podium was Chile’s Samuel Parot aboard Tiffany De Olid, owned by himself, who added another clear effort to the results with a time of 35.201 seconds.
Francisco Goyoaga Mollet and “PST De Muze” presented as winners of the $50,000 Arion Sellier National Grand Prix © Wellington International // Cassidy Klein
The final class of the ESP Holiday Series, the $5,000 JTWG Inc. 1.35m Open Stake, took place early Sunday morning to close out the week. Venezuela’s Luis Fernando Larrazabal and Cenmietta PS, owned by Leeann Ablin, earned the win with a jump-off time of 36.106 seconds. Belgium’s Jef Lauwers finished second aboard Pikeur Cole’s Balou, owned by Mary Elizabeth Sand, in 38.461 seconds, while Spencer Brittan (USA) secured third place with Inlaws Manolo, owned by Kimberly Blake Roth, stopping the clock clear in 40.585 seconds.
Luis Fernando Larrazabal and “Cenmietta PS” presented as winners of the $5,000 JTWG Inc. 1.35m Open Stake © Wellington International // Cassidy Klein
With the ESP Holiday Finale now complete, all eyes turn toward the 2026 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), which begins in just two weeks. Starting December 31st with Premiere Week, the upcoming season promises exciting competition, memorable moments, and plenty of surprises for riders and spectators at Wellington International.
