Shane Sweetnam (IRL) and Indra Van De Oude Heihoef © Sportfot.

Kenny Wins Overall Title

Wellington, FL – April 2, 2021 – A busy Friday afternoon at the 2021 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) was highlighted by a victory for Shane Sweetnam (IRL) and Indra Van De Oude Heihoef owned by The Blue Buckle Group, in the $73,000 CaptiveOne Advisors 1.50m Classic Series Final on Friday, April 2, in the International Arena at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC).

The series final began over a 1.50m opening round track set by Olaf Petersen Jr. (GER) featuring 16 jumping efforts for the 33 competitors who qualified for Friday’s competition. From there, 13 horse-and-rider combinations representing five different nations put forth clear efforts to punch their ticket into the jump-off.

First to return for the second round, Erynn Ballard (CAN) piloted Gakhir, owned by Ilan Ferder and Esperanza Imports, LLC, to a clear effort in 40.60 seconds, setting the pace for the remainder of the field. Next to go, Tiffany Foster (CAN) and Brighton, owned by Artisan Farms, LLC, had an unlucky rail at the final fence on course. With the following combination, there was a change atop the leaderboard as Jessica Springsteen (USA) and RMF Zecilie, owned by Rushy Marsh Farm, jumped a clear round in 39.04 seconds.

The overall CaptiveOne Advisors Jumper Series leader was caught by the final jump as Darragh Kenny (IRL) and Scarlett Du Sart Z, owned by Vlock Show Stables, LLC, landed on four faults in a time of 35.58 seconds.

Elizabeth Towell Boyd and Carento Can’t Be Caught in the $15,000 USHJA International Derby “Hunt and Go”

Hunter competition once again took the spotlight on the Derby Field at Equestrian Village on Friday. Thirty-four of the top hunter horse-and-rider combinations entered the $15,000 USHJA International Derby “Hunt and Go” for their chance to win the top prize. With impressive performances in both the classic round and handy portion, Elizabeth Towell Boyd and Sherri Crawford’s Carento earned the victory in the class with an overall score of 351.

The class was held in a “Hunt and Go” format, with the first eight fences counting towards the classic round and then the final six jumps being the handy phase. Ken Krome designed a technical course including four high option fences, a trot jump, and a “bounce” element. Riders were also asked to walk a circle in between the classic and handy phases.

First in the order of go, Boyd, of Camden, SC, and Carento set the pace with a classic round score of 173 and a handy round score of 178. The duo held onto the top spot throughout the remainder of the competitive class. Boyd is no stranger to this hunter derby and also earned a first place finish in 2019 aboard Tradition.

For more information and results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.