Momentum carried through the week at Wellington International as riders delivered thrilling rounds, close finishes, and standout performances across hunter and jumper divisions. From high-stakes jump-offs to picture-perfect derby rounds, the competition field was alive with energy; a preview of what’s to come as action returns to the main showgrounds next week for the ESP Fall Finale.
Capt. Brian Cournane (USA) made a triumphant return to the winner’s circle aboard Castlefield Dream, owned by Glenbeigh Farm, LLC, topping the leaderboard in the $5,000 Bainbridge Companies 1.40m Open Stake. The pair delivered a flawless double-clear effort, stopping the clock in 39.477 seconds to secure the win. RJ Maya (USA) and Gant EK impressed with a smooth and steady round to claim second in 41.024 seconds, while Spain’s Diego Perez Bilbao and CMD Scarlet followed close behind with a double-clear time of 41.476 seconds, rounding out a tight and talented field.
Friday’s schedule featured the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby, presented by Pilates Rocks, which brought a touch of classic hunter sophistication to the week’s competition. Course designer Semantha Burger set a flowing track that encouraged rhythm, balance, and consistency. Rising to the top of the leaderboard, Audrey Robison (USA) and Caesar Van Jonckhoeve Z, owned by Yick Wong Kit, impressed the judges with two picture-perfect rounds, earning scores of 89 and 90 for a winning 190 total. Marcus Au (USA) piloted H-Cassina, owned by Signature Farm, to a strong second-place finish with a combined 176, while Tricia Barr (USA) and her own Party Started claimed third on a final score of 172.
With a quick and clean double-clear in 48.146 seconds, Carolina Drummond (BRA) and her own Joules VD Hooghoeve claimed victory in Saturday’s 1.35m Open Stake, sponsored by Florida Coast Equipment. Wim Janssen (NLD) followed in second aboard Mikitha, owned by Chilmark Farm, with a time of 49.772 seconds, while Natalie Dean (USA) and Fornett D’Emeraude, owned by Marigold Sporthorses LLC, rounded out the top three in 51.438 seconds.
It was all about Audrey Haywood (USA) in the $1,000 2’6”/2’9” Hunter Derby, presented by Flagler Insurance, as she swept the top two spots aboard her own horses. Her winning ride came on Game Day, posting scores of 83 and 84 for a 167 total. She followed that performance with London Boy, earning 83 and 81 for a 164. Nicole Barberio (USA) and her own Samson B completed the podium with a strong finish on scores of 84 and 78, totaling 162.
The $10,000 Perfect Products Grand Prix unfolded as a masterclass in timing and execution. Course designer Hector Loyola (PUR) built a track that rewarded patience in the 12-fence first round and daring in the 8-jump jump-off, with a strict 55-second time allowed, ensuring no room for hesitation.
Closing the class with poise and precision, Karime Perez Nunez (MEX) and her own Dolcevita De Lacke produced the ultimate double-clear in 40.7 seconds, claiming the win as the final pair to challenge the course. Darragh Kerins (IRL) and RSK Quality Cruise set an early standard of speed and accuracy in 40.935 seconds, while Diego Perez Bilbao (ESP) aboard CMD Scarlet, owned by Carolina Drummond, completed the podium on a fault-free 41.477.
The fall season at Wellington International transitions back to the main showgrounds next week for the ESP Fall Finale, bringing competition to the heart of the venue. Competitors can experience a refreshed venue and a new wave of improvements, including upgraded footing, redesigned pathways, and improved Wi-Fi coverage, marking the next step in ongoing facility enhancements. To top it off, riders and fans won’t want to miss the Annual Halloween Costume Contest on Saturday, November 1, in Ring 6 following the end of the day’s competition!
