Wellington International welcomed competitors back to the International Ring for ESP Holiday II, continuing the winter schedule with another week of national competition. The $10,000 Bainbridge Companies 1.40m Open Stake stood out as one of the day’s feature events, attracting a strong lineup of entries.
Mimi Gochman’s (USA) return to Wellington International was marked by a winning performance in the $10,000 Bainbridge Companies 1.40m Open Stake. Riding Lumiere BH, owned by Mimi Snow Sport Horse LLC, Gochman delivered a smooth and efficient clear round to stop the clock at 35.465 seconds, securing the top spot. Close behind, Alison Robitaille (USA) and Dagny, owned by Alison Firestone LLC, claimed second place with a clear effort in 35.634 seconds. Rounding out the podium was Gabriel De Matos Machado (BRA) aboard It Girl, owned by Bay Winds Equestrian LLC, who crossed the timers clear in 36.465 seconds to take third.
Mimi Gochman & “Lumiere BH” presented as winners of the $10,000 Bainbridge Companies 1.40m Open Stake © Wellington International // Cassidy Klein
The $1,000 2’6″/2’9″ Hunter Derby (Hunt-N-Go), presented by Score at the Top, concluded with Mia Johns (USA) and Dolce Vita, owned by Joe Currais, earning the win after scoring 86 in both rounds for a total of 172. Lei Schlitz (USA) and Cassini Royale, owned by Seneca Farm LLC, finished second with scores of 84 and 79 for 163, while Angie Dvorak (USA) and Grand Slam, owned by Jane Fennessy, secured third place on a total of 158.
Mia Johns & “Dolce Vita” presented as winners of the $1,000 2’6″/2’9″ Hunter Derby (Hunt-N-Go), presented by Score at the Top © Wellington International // Grace Klement
The $30,000 Arthramid National Grand Prix featured a technical course by Andy Christiansen, with 13 obstacles and 16 efforts testing the field. The challenge proved decisive, as only three combinations advanced to the jump-off, ensuring all would finish on the podium.
Fernando Parroquin Delfin and “Escudero SDN” in the $30,000 Arthramid National Grand Prix © Wellington International // Cassidy Klein
Repeating his winning form from the previous week, Fernando Parroquin Delfin (MEX) delivered another standout performance with Escudero SDN, owned by Javier Alfonso Vidaña Carranza. The pair produced a clear and efficient jump-off round in 38.601 seconds to take top honors. Jonathan McCrea (USA) and Jannan S, owned by Windsor Show Stables, claimed second with a clear 40.668, while Alison Robitaille (USA) guided Porto Cristo N, owned by Alison Firestone LLC, to third place in 41.411 seconds.
Fernando Parroquin Delfin and “Escudero SDN” presented as winners of the $30,000 Arthramid National Grand Prix © Wellington International // Cassidy Klein
The $5,000 Keyflow USA 1.35m Open Stake brought competition at ESP Holiday II to a close with an exciting finish in the International Arena. Claiming the win was Ali Wolff (USA) aboard Hesperide Du Breuil, owned by The Hesperide Group LLC, who delivered a clear and efficient jump-off round in 35.898 seconds. Stephen Moore (IRL) followed closely in second place with Tage BH, owned by SMG Sport LLC, stopping the clock at 37.251 seconds, while Manuel Gonzalez Dufrane (MEX) and Explosivo SDN, owned by Javier Alfonso Vidaña Carranza, rounded out the top three after posting a clear jump-off time of 37.523 seconds.
Ali Wolff & “Hesperide Du Breuil” presented as winners of the $5,000 Keyflow USA 1.35m Open Stake © Wellington International // Cassidy Klein
The ESP Holiday Finale takes place next week, marking the final installment of the Holiday Series and the last competition week before the official kickoff of the 2026 Winter Equestrian Festival. The week will serve as a transition point, closing out the holiday schedule while building momentum toward the upcoming winter season.
