Emanuel Andrade. Photo © Starting Gate Communications.
Wellington, Florida – January 4, 2017 – Hollow Creek Farm will present the Under 25 Grand Prix Series held throughout the Winter Equestrian Festival from January 11 through April 2, 2017, at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL.
Now in its seventh season, the Under 25 Grand Prix Series, presented by The Dutta Corp. in association with Guido Klatte, has been expanded to ten events offering a total of $215,000 in prize money for the 2017 season. Showcasing the top young talent in show jumping sport, the Under 25 Grand Prix Series is open to riders of any nationality, aged 25 and under, capable of competing at the 1.45m level. New for 2017, all classes have been sanctioned as CSI-U25 events by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), with the exception of the Team event, and will be held under FEI rules.
Hollow Creek Farm is home to 20-year-old Emanuel Andrade, one of the sport’s top up-and-coming athletes who will be partaking in the Series. Despite his young age, Andrade has represented his native Venezuela in Olympic, World Equestrian Games, and Pan American Games competition. Having sponsored the Children, Junior, and Young Rider Nations’ Cup events for the past four years at the Winter Equestrian Festival, Hollow Creek Farm now turns its attention to the Under 25 competitors in 2017.
“Like we did with the Nations’ Cup events, we are trying to find ways to make the classes for younger people more important and high-profile,” said Andrade of the decision to sponsor this year’s Under 25 Grand Prix Series. “We want to help give opportunities to young riders, and feel that the Under 25 Series offers prize money, variety, and an opportunity to spotlight the good riders and good horses coming up in our sport.”
One of the features that Andrade appreciates most is that Under 25 riders can gain valuable FEI experience at the 1.45m level while competing against their peers.
“The Winter Equestrian Festival is very competitive,” said Andrade. “Everyone brings their best horses, and if you want to jump in the FEI classes against all the professionals, it’s very hard to place, let alone win. The Under 25 competition is also hard, but riders have a better chance to gain experience and have a good result than going straight into a five-star grand prix. It’s a very important Series for the development of young riders.”
Gaining positive experience is paramount for progress, and the variety offered in the Under 25 Grand Prix Series helps up-and-coming talent prepare for future competition, both as team members as well as individuals. Developed as a bridge to the international level of grand prix competition, the Series gives athletes, both human and equine, an opportunity to compete under a myriad of conditions, including jumping on grass, under the lights at night, and in team competition; all important elements that competitors will face as their international careers progress.
Following the first nine events in the Hollow Creek Farm Under 25 Grand Prix Series, the top 30 riders in the point standings will be invited to contest the $50,000 Hollow Creek Farm Under 25 Grand Prix Final on Sunday, April 2, in the International Arena.
The overall Series winner will be invited to compete in the CSI2* division of the Chantilly Horse Show, a Global Champions Tour event, from July 13-16, 2017, in France. In addition to their entry, the winner will also receive two tickets to the Chantilly VIP lounge and transportation for one horse generously provided by The Dutta Corp. in association with Guido Klatte.
Hollow Creek Farm Media Contact: Jennifer Ward
Starting Gate Communications
Cell: (613) 292-5439
www.startinggate.ca