Tag Archives: Wellington Masters

Competitions, FEI, Show Jumping

Kent Farrington and Uceko Speed to Victory at Wellington Masters

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Kent Farrington and Uceko claim the win in the $200,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping in Wellington. (FEI/Anthony Trollope)

Wellington, Florida, 8 February 2016 – A field of 40 of the world’s best set their sights on Sunday’s $200,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping in Wellington, but it was Kent Farrington (USA) who claimed top honors aboard Uceko at the inaugural Wellington Masters CSI3*-W. Beating a jump-off field of 14, the seasoned horse-and-rider pair expertly omitted strides throughout the track designed by Alan Wade (IRL) to finish just over two-and-a-half seconds ahead of Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum (GER) and Fibonacci.

“My horse is very experienced, and I know he has a giant stride,” said Farrington. “I left out a step from jump one to two, and I think for sure, I did one less (than third place finisher Richard Spooner) in the rollback to the combination. Also, to the next one (after the double combination), I was really aggressive in using his gallop. I think knowing that horse like I do, I can take advantage of his stride early on in the course.”

As much as Farrington could use his jump-off strategy for his horse, the overall plan to use Uceko for the FEI World Cup™ qualifier stemmed from the show’s early proposal to hold the class on the turf field. But inclement weather interfered and forced organisers to move the penultimate East Coast event to the sand arena.

“Originally, it was going to go on the grass, and he’s really well suited to grass arenas, so that was my plan,” Farrington said. “Obviously that changed. I was a little concerned that that wouldn’t play to his strengths, but he proved me wrong.

“He usually goes best with a really impressive ring, or in an intimidating setting for most horses, and this is usually where he shines so that’s why I try to pick spookier venues or grass arenas that have bigger, impressive jumps. It wasn’t really playing to his strengths today, but he pulled it off anyway, so I’m really happy with him.”

“I kept the distances normal,” said Wade. “As you can see, some of the better horses and riders over two rounds came to the top. We had a few too many clear rounds, but I think that the conditions, windy and wet last night, followed up with good sport.”

Olympic dreams

With the Rio 2016 Olympics a few months away, all three podium finishers referred to upcoming schedules that allowed for the possibility to travel to Brazil.

“Rio would definitely be my goal,” said Michaels-Beerbaum. “(Fibonacci is) shortlisted for the German team at the moment, so I’ll make a plan together with the Chef d’Equipe about what he should do to keep going. He showed great form today and we just hope to keep that going.”

A newer partnership, Spooner (USA) and Big Red are also making a play to be considered for the U.S. Team, although the veteran rider is keeping realistic expectations.

“I got him the middle of the first week (in Wellington), so it’s a fresh partnership, and I couldn’t be any happier with the result today,” he said. “When he got here, I thought, ‘Well, I’m going to be very aggressive. It would be nice if I could have four faults and have a nice result and maybe have a point or two at this class.’ So to go out and go double clear far exceeds my expectations.

“We would be a longshot for the Team but I’m gearing him for the Team,” he added. “I think he’s a Team horse; he’s impressed me incredibly in a very short period of time, and round after round, he’s been consistently clear. I’m learning a bit with him in the jump off, as well as the first round, but he has all the scope, he’s super careful, he’s fit and ready to go, so it will be a little bit about what (U.S. Chef d’Equipe) Robert Ridland wants to do and if he gears me in that direction or not. But that would be my dream for that horse.”

Spooner revealed plans to qualify for the Longines FEI World Cup™ Final in Gothenburg (SWE) and to use the major championship event as an additional opportunity to learn the horse in advance of the Olympics. “I really want to feel confident on the horse, and that if Rio were to be in his future I would feel 100 percent confident in our ability to do that,” he said.

Top-level management

Although Farrington didn’t specify his Olympic plans, he hinted at the possibility from his decision to not travel to Gothenburg (SWE) in March for FEI World Cup™ Final.

“I’ll probably give him (Uceko) a bit of a rest now and do a class here and there and save him for the summer, Calgary and Europe,” he said. “I try to pick the venues where he’ll really shine.

“I just work him at home. He’s getting really fit and he doesn’t really need to practice in the ring. He’s been around the world a couple times. He’s better the less he shows, so I just try to have him fit and feeling good, and pull him out at some of the bigger events.”

The careful management of his string of horses is a key factor in the success for Farrington, who is currently ranked world number 3 in the Longines Rankings.

“He’s learned to be a fast horse,” he said of his winning mount. “He actually was not a fast horse when I started with him. He has a long stride and sort of a slow canter, and as I’ve gotten to know him really well, he’s been able to turn really short to the fences and leave out strides where other horses can’t. Now for a jump off, I really have his plan and I’m very confident about what he can do and I try to execute to the best of my abilities. And usually, if I don’t make a big error, he pulls it off.”

New venue for a new League

The Wellington leg of the inaugural season for the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping North American League was hosted by Deeridge Farms, a private property owned by the Jacobs family since 1980. Rarely used for competitions, the riders applauded the event’s organisers for handling the week’s unexpected weather issues and for executing the unique and top-level event.

“It’s a three-year commitment to host the World Cup qualifier here at Deeridge Farms, so we’re looking forward to next year,” said Louis Jacobs (USA), co-president of the event. “We learned a lot this year, and we all had fun. It was a great family endeavor. So we’re excited about what’s in the future.”

The vision behind the event stemmed from acknowledging Wellington as the country’s capital of high-performance horse sport through the winter months and providing competitors with an opportunity to earn World Cup points at the centre of the action.

Jacobs’ brother, Charlie, also served as co-president, in addition to competing throughout the week and in the FEI World Cup™ qualifier class.

“It’s a beautiful event here at Deeridge Farms,” Farrington said. “I think these facilities are amazing and really exciting for our sport and for show jumping in Florida for us to have this competition. This calibre of competition is really exciting for all of us as riders.”

“I’m delighted to be here,” Michaels-Beerbaum said. “This was a great honor to be able to ride here today. I thank the Jacobs family. This was their first event, and it’s amazing how beautifully it was put on and professionally, as well. We’re excited about coming back next year and perhaps getting to go on the grass field. I think all the riders feel the same that this has been a great event.”

“I had a great time, and the Jacobs family did a great job with the competition,” said Spooner. “There were some difficult decisions that they had to make with the weather and the facility, and they made all of them spot on. The footing in the sand arena was flawless. I’m looking forward to coming back next year – sand or grass or whatever you have, we’ll be here.”

Show organisers decided to postpone the use of the turf to next year’s event, after addressing drainage issues this summer. The goal is for the field to ride the same for the first rider as it does for the last in an order of 40 entries.

“It’s a team effort, and I hope it’s going to come out as a better product next year because of it,” said Charlie Jacobs (USA). “I think the new North American League is so important, with its special, unique, one-of-a-kind events. I’ve been fortunate to jump in every event on the East Coast, and I hope to go to the final event at Live Oak in a couple weeks.”

Full results: bit.ly/1UXlAQK

Facts and Figures

In the first round, 14 horses went clear, 13 had 4 faults, 1 had 7, 8 had 8, 3 had 12, and 1 had 16.

The course designer was Alan Wade (IRL).

The first round was contested over 13 obstacles with 16 jumping efforts. The jump-off round had eight obstacles with nine efforts. The maximum height was set at 1.60 metres.

Fifteen nations were represented in the class: Argentina (2 riders), Australia (1 rider), Belgium (1 rider), Brazil (1 rider), Canada, (4 riders), Chile (1 rider), Germany (2 riders), Great Britain (1 rider) Ireland (2 riders), Mexico (1 rider), New Zealand (2 riders), Russia (1 rider), Switzerland (1 rider), United States (19 riders), and Venezuela (1 rider).

About Wellington Masters

The Wellington Masters is hosted at Deeridge Farms, a 300-acre oasis of serenity and beauty set in the Village of Wellington. Owned by the Jacobs family since 1980, the farm has rarely been used for equestrian competitions.

Official fan site – www.feiworldcup.com/NAL

The FEI has developed an official fan microsite for the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping North American League, enabling fans to find all the latest information for this brand new series under one digital umbrella.

Fans can keep close tabs on the athletes competing in this exciting series as they do their utmost to qualify for the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final in Gothenburg, Sweden, on 23-26 March 2016.

Tickets can be purchased through the fan site, with event-specific information uploaded regularly by the organisers of the events in this series for fan enjoyment.

Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping North American League

A total of 14 athletes from the new North American League will qualify for the prestigious Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final.

The top seven athletes from the East Coast US, top three from West Coast US and the two best-placed athletes from Canada and Mexico will qualify for the Final, alongside winners of the 13 other leagues from around the world.

The North American League boasts a minimum of US $2.4 million prize money across the series, and offers the best Jumping athletes from North America and around the world the chance to qualify for the jackpot of more than US $1.4 million (€1.3 million) on offer annually at the Final.

The new league was launched by Beezie Madden, the most decorated US female equestrian athlete of all time, American Gold Cup winner and FEI Solidarity Ambassador Jessica Springsteen, and Hannah Selleck, team and individual gold medalist at young rider level and one of the sport’s up-and-coming stars. Full launch release here: https://goo.gl/kCIsyW.

Share images, video, experiences using hashtag #FEIWorldCupNAL.

By Esther Hahn

FEI Media Contacts:

Ruth Grundy
Manager Press Relations
Email: ruth.grundy@fei.org
Tel: +41 787 506 145

Shannon Gibbons
Manager Press Relations
shannon.gibbons@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 46

Competitions, FEI, Show Jumping

Farrington Flies to $200,000 Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Wellington Victory

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Kent Farrington and Uceko.

Wellington, FL – Feb. 7, 2016 – The inaugural CP Wellington Masters, presented by Sovaro™, produced a world-class event, where it was only fitting that the victory in the $200,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Wellington went to leading U.S. athlete Kent Farrington with his veteran mount Uceko.

Topping a 14-horse jump-off, Farrington captured his second victory in the new Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping East Coast League. The highlight event took place under sunny skies at the picturesque Deeridge Farms, owned by the Jacobs family. In conjunction with leading international equestrian event producers Stadium Jumping, the Jacobs family worked tirelessly to produce the first event of its kind at their home in Wellington.

“I thought it was a beautiful, beautiful event here at Deeridge Farms,” expressed Farrington after his win. “I think this facility is amazing and really exciting for our sport and for show jumping here in Florida. For us to have this kind of competition and this caliber of competition is really exciting for all of us as riders.”

Forty combinations turned out to make a bid for the win over the Alan Wade designed course in the new all-weather arena. Only 14 of the athletes mastered the opening track without error and advance to the final tiebreaker.

Paris Sellon was the pathfinder with Adare, setting the pace to beat at a clear 43.50 seconds. Callan Solem tried to best her with VDL Wizard, owned by Horseshoe Trail Farm, but she was just shy of the time in a faultless 43.80 seconds. Canada’s Ian Millar slipped just between them on Susan and Ariel Grange’s Dixson when they cleared the track in 43.54 seconds.

Richard Spooner was the first to beat Sellon’s time on his new mount Big Red, owned by Gerardo and Alfonso Pasquel. Despite a risky distance to the last fence, the duo left all the fences intact and broke the beam at 42.89 seconds, wearing a target on their back.

Richard Spooner and Big Red
Richard Spooner and Big Red

“I got him the middle of the first week [of the Winter Equestrian Festival], so it’s a fresh partnership,” explained Spooner. “I couldn’t be any happier with the result today. When we got here, I kind of thought, ‘I’m going to be very aggressive. It’d be nice if I could have four faults and have a nice result, maybe get a point or two at this class.’ To have him go out and go double clear far exceeds my expectations.”

Katie Dinan and Grant Road Partners’ Nougat Du Vallet had the next clear effort, but they were more conservative in a time of 48.64 seconds. Despite his solid round, Spooner left the door open for an experienced pair, and Farrington knew he could make up time by shaving the turns and leaving strides out with 15-year-old Uceko. The pair never touched a rail and blazed across the finish line 40.30 seconds, almost three seconds faster than Spooner.

“Uceko has learned to be a fast horse,” admitted Farrington. “He actually was not a fast horse when I started. He has a long stride and sort of a slow canter. As I’ve gotten to know him really well, he’s learned to turn very short to the fences and leave out strides where other horses can’t. Now for a jump-off, I really have his plan, and I’m very confident of what he can do. I try to execute it to the best of my abilities, and usually if I don’t make a big error he pulls it off.”

The last athlete in the class was Germany’s Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum on the talented Fibonacci 17, owned by Artemis. The scopey 11-year-old was clear over all of the obstacles, but could not match Uceko’s speed taking over the second place spot in 42.83 seconds. Spooner was just six-hundredths of a second slower than Beerbaum for third place, while Farrington led the lap of honor.

Although the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final is not on Beerbaum’s radar, the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro are her main goal for Fibonacci. “He’s short-listed for the German team at the moment,” she commented. “He showed great form today, and we just hope to keep that going.”

Spooner also hopes to aim Big Red toward the Games in Rio, but he knows the new pair will need to work hard to make the U.S. team. “It’s a bit of a new combination; it would be a long shot for, but I’m gearing him for the team,” he stated. “I think he’s a team horse. He’s impressed me incredibly.”

The Jacobs family is a strong supporter of world-class athletes and world-class events, and the family was thrilled to have the opportunity to host the Wellington leg of the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping East Coast League.

“It’s a three-year commitment to host the World Cup Qualifier here,” noted President Louis Jacobs. “To have first the FEI and Longines grant us a World Cup Qualifier and then to have this group of sponsors – not just Longines, but Canadian Pacific and the folks from Sovaro – people that really demonstrated their faith in us early on, we’re incredibly grateful for that.”

Katie Jacobs Robinson added, “It’s exciting, and it’s an honor that Longines and the FEI have trusted us with this. It’s been a huge learning experience and something that I think we have all really enjoyed. We hope that Longines is happy as well as the FEI and all the competitors, and we look forward to doing it again.

Representing the family in the ring was Charlie Jacobs, who hopes to be traveling with the U.S. delegation to the prestigious Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final, which will take place in Gothenburg, Sweden March 23-28.

“The feedback from the riders has been nothing short of extraordinary,” he commented. “Even riders that didn’t compete here were sharing that they wish to come and show next year if we offer more divisions, so by in large I’d say it’s been exclusively great feedback from the horseman.”

One of the additional events during the inaugural CP Wellington Masters was the $10,000 1.15m Jumpers. The victory in the day’s competition opener went to Javier Guerra of the USA on his own Chiquey Tiem.

Guerra and the 8-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare were one of 15 pairs to advance to the immediate jump-off following the first round, and while they went early in the order they set a time to be beat that would never be toppled, finishing in 29.738 seconds.

“It was a beautifully set course,” Guerra said of the Alan Wade designed track. “She’s just a very, very fast mare. I know if she keeps all the rails up, she’s going to be in the top three. She’s a very brave mare. She is my wife’s horse, and she was gracious enough to let me ride her today.”

Guerra continued, “We show her in the 1.25m, the Low Amateurs, and now we brought her in today for this beautiful show. I think it’s great. I hope they do it every year, and we will be sure to come back next year if they do it again.”

Finishing in a close second with a jump-off time of 30.014 seconds were Sima Morgello and Zopala, owned by Double S Farm LLC, while third place went to Lukene Arenas and Enrique Arenas’ Unique Star with a time of 30.876 seconds.

Before the main event got underway, a special presentation was made for the M. Michael Meller Style Award. During its inaugural year at the CP Wellington Masters, the award was presented to the late Andres Rodriguez of Venezuela. Rodriguez, fondly known as “Chepito,” passed away in a tragic car accident in January. The 2015 individual silver medalist from the Pan American Games was a true supporter of equestrian sport and embodied this award. He loved show jumping and all that knew him felt his enthusiasm. A team player, he was fun loving and always supportive with his competitors.

Rodriguez’s wife, Clementine Goutal, and barn manager, Carmen Barrera, accepted the award from Meller on his behalf. The M. Michael Meller Style Award will be presented each year in honor of Rodriguez to a rider that exemplifies his style and sportsmanship, so that “Chepito’s” memory can live on in the sport.

The inaugural CP Wellington Masters, presented by Sovaro™, has received rave reviews and the Jacobs Family looks forward to hosting top athletes for the 2016 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Wellington.

For more information, please visit wellingtonmastersworldcup.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group International
12012 South Shore Boulevard, Suite 201
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Competitions, Show Jumping

Beezie Madden Breezes to Victory with Coach at CP Wellington Masters

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Beezie Madden and Coach.

Wellington, FL – Feb. 6, 2016 – Beezie Madden is bringing a new winner up the ranks, and Saturday he claimed his first major Wellington win. Madden and Coach, owned by Abigail Wexner, earned the victory in the $20,000 1.40m Jumpers at the CP Wellington Masters, presented by Sovaro™.

With Madden in the irons, Coach, an 8-year-old Holsteiner gelding, was one of 39 horses to compete over the Alan Wade designed track set at Deeridge Farms and one of 15 to advance to the jump-off before taking an impressive win.

“I am super excited about him,” Madden said. “We got him in the middle of the summer last year, and he was 7. He’s come so far already. He’s got everything you want. He’s got blood, he’s careful, he’s scopey, he’s rideable and he’s got fantastic character.”

Before Coach jumped to victory, eight combinations attempted the jump-off track, and while many of them finished on just four faults, it was not until the ninth to return that a double clear effort was successfully produced.

Jonathan McCrea and D Carolus, owned by Candy Tribble, were the first to cross the second round track without fault, setting the time to beat at 48.279 seconds.

From there it turned into a quick race against the clock with nearly every round going faster than the next. Chris Sorensen and his own Zellobee shaved the time to beat down to a clear 42.329 seconds. Then Tori Colvin and Take the High Road LLC’s Austria 2 blew that time out of the water, setting the lead at 38.884 seconds.

Daniel Bluman and his own Bocara D’Archongosse came next and saw one rail fall in 45.081 seconds. But then it was back to the quick race against the clock with Callan Solem and VDL Torlando giving it their all and leaving out a long stride to the final oxer.

Callan Solem and VDL Torlando
Callan Solem and VDL Torlando

“That’s the benefit of having a grand prix horse in the 1.40m. You can do that,” Solem said. “He’s a great horse. We’ve done it together for so long. I wasn’t super surprised.”

Solem continued, “I’ve had [VDL Torlando] for 10 years. He’s basically my best friend; I love him so much. He’s still getting ribbons in the grand prix at [the Winter Equestrian Festival]. He still jumps grand prix, but I think it’s nice to let him jump something easy once in a while and let him feel like a hero.”

VDL Torlando showed that he was quite the hero on Saturday, finishing on a time of 38.221 seconds to temporarily take over the lead.

It would not be for long though as Madden and Coach were the next to return and left it all on the line to finish in in 38.127 seconds.

With Madden in the lead, it came down to Juan Pablo Gnecco and Silius Brown, and when he finished in an easy 44.021 seconds, it clinched the victory for Madden and the second place spot for Solem.

“I thought it was a great course. It’s a fantastic ring to ride in, especially I think for tomorrow this is going to be super for the World Cup Qualifier because the jumps come up quick like they do indoors,” Madden said. “The ends of the ring come up quickly, and I think that’s what you need to practice for indoors. Alan Wade, I’ve always been a fan of his. I think he does very fair but subtly difficult courses, and your horses usually jump better as the week goes on.”

Madden continued, “This event is super. I think we’ve been dying for an event like this down here just to have a little something different. I don’t think it hurts the other venue at all. They have plenty of customers at both. I think the specialty event is fantastic to have here. I think people will really welcome it, and they will keep it top notch and not concentrate on volume. They concentrate on volume a lot over there, and they don’t need to here. There’s a place for both. They have done such a fantastic job. It’s like a super European show. It’s nice to have some different jumps; it’s fresh.”

Solem echoed Madden’s sentiments closely. “The footing is perfect, and it’s such a beautiful day. Of all the miles that [VDL Torlando] has done, he just doesn’t have to do anything that isn’t really nice, and this is really nice. The event is so nice, and he’s thrilled to be here. The footing is perfect. You just can’t say enough nice things. It’s such a fun show; it’s been great.”

Following Saturday’s class, Madden has sights set on bright future for Coach.

“He’s so talented that we could probably move him up fast, but because his experience level isn’t so big, I am going to try and play it a little cool,” Madden said. “If we end up in a 1.50m class by the end of circuit I’ll be very happy with that. Then after he leaves here he’ll be a little older, a little more mature, and ready to do some bigger classes.”

As for Solem, she will now turn her attention to Sunday’s $200,000 Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Wellington with VDL Wizard.

“VDL Wizard is wild! I have to put red ribbon in his tail tomorrow,” Solem laughed. “He was beside himself yesterday, so excited to show. I think McLain said in one of his interviews how important it is to give horses a break and that it’s a dying art. I gave him a break, and he’s come back so fresh! I think it will serve him well come spring into summer that I left him a little fresh coming today.”

The Wellington Masters will continue Saturday with the $20,000 Jumpers 1.40m Open Jumpers at 11 a.m. On Sunday, the day will kick off at 7:30 a.m. with the 1.15 Open Jumpers, followed by the $200,000 Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Wellington at 11 a.m.

A total of 14 athletes from the new Longines FEI World Cup™ North American league will qualify for the prestigious Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final, which will take place in Gothenburg, Sweden March 23-28. The top seven athletes from the East Coast U.S., the top three from the West Coast U.S. and the two best-placed athletes from Canada and Mexico, will qualify for the final, along with the winners of 15 other leagues around the world.

For more information, please visit wellingtonmastersworldcup.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Carrie Wirth
Phelps Media Group International
12012 South Shore Boulevard, Suite 201
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389
cw@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

McLain Ward and HH Carlos Z Capture $50k Longines Qualifier CSI3* at CP Wellington Masters

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McLain Ward and HH Carlos Z.

Wellington, FL – Feb. 5, 2016 – McLain Ward showcased his winning style once again at the CP Wellington Masters, presented by Sovaro™, piloting HH Carlos Z to his second victory in a row during the $50,000 Longines Qualifier CSI3*.

The Pan American gold medalist used going early in the order to his advantage, sticking to his plan with his quick mount and challenging the other riders try to catch him. The duo topped the 11-horse jump-off, beating Canada’s Ian Millar and young rider Maggie McAlary for their second victory gallop of the week.

After rain early Friday morning, the highlight event was moved to the new all-weather arena at Deeridge Farms. Alan Wade built a technical course for the class, which was the qualifier for Sunday’s $200,000 Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Wellington. Fifty-six entries took their turn over the track, with only 11 managing to cross the finish line without fault and return for the jump-off.

Ward was the pathfinder in the first round and returned with plenty of gas in the tank for the tiebreaker on HH Carlos Z, owned by Double H Farm. He easily galloped through the turns, leaving each obstacle intact and setting the pace to beat at 37.52 seconds. The generally stoic Ward left the ring with a big grin, knowing he had left it on the line.

“I don’t often think I’ve shut the door,” expressed Ward. “I know that there are people that can get you, like Mr. Millar, but I had a pretty good feeling that I had done at least a good job. [HH Carlos Z] is fast, and it was one of those rounds where everything just showed up out of stride. It just worked really well. I love to go earlier in the jump-off, especially with a fast horse. I kind of put what other people do out of my head, and I just really ride my round.”

Millar was the next rider to produce a clear round with Dixson, owned by Susan and Ariel Grange. Although they tried to catch Ward’s time, the pair was two seconds slower when they crossed the finish line in 39.72 seconds to earn the second place ribbon.

Ian Millar and Dixson
Ian Millar and Dixson

“I was really going for it,” said Millar. “I was quite impressed, and not in a good way, between first and second. I didn’t get that close to him. I left out a stride in the first line. I was thinking, ‘that’s good; that lets off a second.’ Then I was a little bit slow on one turn, but I thought I was closer than I was. However, all of the riders watching McLain thought exactly what he thought, that he had nailed it and left very little margin.”

Katie Dinan was double clear with her veteran mount Nougat Du Vallet, but their conservative time of 47.69 seconds would only be good enough for fourth place. For the second day in a row, the third place award went to a Double H Farm mount, and this time it was Maggie McAlary riding HH Ciske Van Overis. The pair broke the beam at 41.72 seconds leaving all the rails in their cups.

“The horses are jumping well,” Ward said of the Double H mounts. “These horses are fresh, which is nice. Unlike a lot of people, we give our horses a long rest in the winter. It’s kind of a dying art, I have to say. There’s a show every week on the calendar in every city so people just show. I think the circuit’s so stressful now, and the travel and what we’re asking of them. It really clears their heads.”

Ward has certainly had a winning streak at the inaugural Wellington Masters, but all of the riders are enjoying the new venue and new addition to the winter circuit.

Millar commented, “It’s fantastic. The effort that has been made by the Jacobs family, and for the right reasons – they made the effort as sportsman. This really is about the sport, for the sport, by sportsman. That’s very, very much appreciated I would say by all of the riders.” A sentiment Ward was quick to second.

Now, the riders will be focused on Sunday’s $200,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Wellington, which will get underway at 11 a.m. A total of 14 athletes from the new Longines FEI World Cup™ North American league will qualify for the prestigious Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final, which will take place in Gothenburg, Sweden March 23-28. The top seven athletes from the East Coast U.S., the top three from the West Coast U.S. and the two best-placed athletes from Canada and Mexico, will qualify for the final, along with the winners of 15 other leagues around the world.

Prior to the start of the $50,000 Longines Qualifier, speed was the name of the game in the $15,000 1.30m Time First Round competition. With high interest and a large number of entries in the class, it was held as a California-split, offering double the prize money to the eventual winners.

Finishing with the fastest time of the morning to take the victory in the first section was Diego Gonzalez Cremer with El 24 Dafnina, owned by Claudia Licaosi. Cremer and the 9-year-old mare crossed the Alan Wade designed course without fault and tripped the timers in a speedy 50.871 seconds.

“I’ve been riding her for two years,” Cremer said. “She’s a very light mare and very fast. She likes speed, and is very simple to ride.”

Cremer continued, “It’s beautiful here. It’s an opportunity to ride with other riders that don’t necessarily go to [the Winter Equestrian Festival].”

The first place position in the second section of the class went to Richard Neal riding his own Ida Gold. The duo finished with a time nearly equal to Cremer’s, crossing the timers in 50.900 seconds.

“I couldn’t be happier with the way that [Ida Gold] felt,” Neal said. “She’s very fun; she’s the most fun horse that I’ve ever ridden.”

Neal jumped the 8-year-old mare in her first 1.45m class just last week and looks forward to continuing to compete her in the High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumpers at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), however, this weekend he is very much enjoying being at Deeridge Farms.

“It’s a really great show,” Neal said. “It couldn’t be a prettier facility.”

In the first section of the $15,000 1.30m, second place went to Alexa Pessoa and Pessoa Stables LLC’s HH Let’s Fly, and third place was awarded to Charlotte Jacobs and Cyrina Z, owned by North Star.

The second place spot in the second section went Whitney Sorensen and Chris Sorensen’s Wromf, and third went to Daniel Bluman and his own Bocara D’Archongosse.

The Wellington Masters will continue Saturday with the $20,000 Jumpers 1.40m Open Jumpers at 11 a.m. On Sunday, the day will kick off at 7:30 a.m. with the 1.15 Open Jumpers, followed by the $200,000 Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Wellington at 11 a.m.

For more information, please visit wellingtonmastersworldcup.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Carrie Wirth
Phelps Media Group International
12012 South Shore Boulevard, Suite 201
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389
cw@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Competitions, Show Jumping

McLain Ward and HH Carols Z Win $35k Welcome Stake at Inaugural CP Wellington Masters

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McLain Ward and HH Carlos Z.

Wellington, FL – Feb. 4, 2016 – The saying “if you build it, they will come” rang true on the opening day of the CP Wellington Masters, presented by Sovaro™. Deeridge Farms, owned by the Jacobs Family, opened up its private facility to an international field of horses and athletes for the inaugural event, which began with the $35,000 Welcome Stake. Forty-eight of the world’s top athletes competed for the top honors, but it was the USA’s McLain Ward that sped to victory with his veteran mount HH Carlos Z.

The Jacobs Family and Stadium Jumping began preparing Deeridge Farms for the inaugural event months in advance, and their hard work showed with beautiful fences set on the Hollow Brook Wealth Management Grand Prix Field in front of the two-story Taylor Harris Club. The venue has a European feel catering to both spectators and exhibitors, and Deeridge Farms provides the perfect background for the world-class event.

Alan Wade designed the inviting track for the day’s $35,000 Welcome Stake, which included two double combinations for the timed first round event. Twenty-three of the entries completed the course without error in preparation for Sunday’s main event, the $200,000 Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Wellington.

Ward and HH Carols Z, owned by Double H Farm, went seventh in the order, producing a clear round in 60.29 seconds, blazing an early path to victory.

“It helps in that situation when you go early because you kind of ride your round and let the others chase,” explained Ward. “There were a few that were close at the end and then a little mistake happened here or there. That’s nice when it works out like that.

Ward added, “Carlos is just fast. Normally you can ride just a nice, neat round, and he’s either going to win or be close. I didn’t feel like I flattened him out with Sunday in mind.”

Fortieth in the order was Mexico’s Alberto Michan riding Dutch Cinda Alba Z for Ilan Ferder, who was just one second behind Ward with a faultless effort in 61.13 seconds, which would be good enough for second place.

“We were going to try to go for the class,” said Michan. “I think she’s fast, and we made the plan. She’s only 9, and she just moved to the big international classes. This is her second week jumping 1.45m, but she does it super easily. She’s very nice to ride, and I’m very happy with her.”

Michan continued, “[Deeridge Farms] is a beautiful, beautiful place. I came yesterday and saw the place for the first time. It’s as beautiful as anywhere in the world to ride. The grass was fantastic. I think it’s a nice footing because it has a lot of sand in it, and the horses have good balance.”

Double H Farm had a great start to the show, with Quentin Judge rounding out the top three on HH Whisky Royale. The pair competed just a few rounds after Ward, breaking the beam at 61.95 seconds with all the rails intact.

“We try to help Quentin and be a little bit of a sounding board for him,” said Ward. “Hunter [Harrison] was here today, and it was nice for he and his family. Quentin had a great round. Whisky’s not quite as fast a horse as Carlos, so I had a little bit of an advantage, but I think he has a good shot with [Copin Van De Broy] on Sunday. He a nice warm up round, and I think the horse looks fresh and good. ”

While a second CSI event is happening across the street, Ward was excited to have another option for HH Carlos Z to compete at. “This area has grown so much in the number of international horses here during the season,” he commented. “This area can support three international events per week.”

Ward continued, “The [USEF] is trying to modify a lot of the mileage rule. I’m a big believer in allowing a free market. You’re going to go to what’s the right event for you. I think in this area the constrictions can come off, and people can put on an event that they’re proud of. The riders will be able to choose, and there will be different levels. It’s good to have different levels. You know you’re going to have your 5*, your 3* and even down to the National level. I think it’s good; there’s enough to support it, and I think it’s healthier and more entertaining sport than watching 140 people do the same round.”

The Wellington Masters will continue on Friday with the $50,000 Longines Qualifier, where riders will compete with the hope to be a part of Sunday’s $200,000 Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Wellington scheduled for 11 a.m.

A total of 14 athletes from the new Longines FEI World Cup™ North American league will qualify for the prestigious Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final, which will take place in Gothenburg, Sweden March 23-28. The top seven athletes from the East Coast U.S., the top three from the West Coast U.S. and the two best-placed athletes from Canada and Mexico, will qualify for the final, along with the winners of 15 other leagues around the world.

Lea Allen and Komedie De Montsec
Lea Allen and Komedie De Montsec

Earlier in the day, the very first win of the inaugural Wellington Masters also went to the very first rider to enter the show ring at Deeridge Farms. Lea Allen, riding Komedie De Montsec, was the first of 38 entries to go in the $5,000 1.10m, presented by Attention Span Media, and she set the time to beat at an unstoppable 56.989 seconds.

“This feels great!” Allen said following her victory. “It’s a great place to be, here at [Deeridge]. If you don’t like this, you just don’t like living! It’s a privilege to show here. It’s beautiful. It’s immaculate. We’re so honored that they actually opened their doors to us. It doesn’t get any better. I hope they repeat this. It really reminds me of how all horse shows used to be because they’re so personal.”

Allen, who has been a student of Margie Engle’s for 26 years and who has owned her mount, Komedie De Montsec for 10 years, was quick to thank her longtime partners.

“The truth is, it’s all teamwork,” Allen said. “Without them none of this would come. I’m just the passenger. I’m very grateful to have them.”

Finishing in second behind Allen was Sarah Ryan on Karlotta Scott, while third place went to Francisco Arredondo.

For more information, please visit wellingtonmastersworldcup.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Carrie Wirth
Phelps Media Group International
12012 South Shore Boulevard, Suite 201
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389
cw@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com