McLain Ward and HH Azur. Photo © Sportfot.

Wellington, FL – The highlight event of the 2019 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), the $500,000 Rolex Grand Prix CSI 5*, was held as the final “Saturday Night Lights” class on Saturday, March 30. Topping the ultimate test at WEF were McLain Ward (USA) and HH Azur in a thrilling eight-horse jump-off.

In a field of 40 entries, some of the best horses and riders in the world vied for the chance to take home the top prize money of the circuit. They were riding over a course set by 2016 Rio Olympic Games designer Guilherme Jorge of Brazil.

There were eight that found the key to a clear round to advance to the jump-off.

Sophia and Madison Mitchell Take Top Honors in Week 12 Alessandro Albanese 15-17 Equitation Division

In the final days of the Winter Equestrian Festival, Sophia Mitchell and Madison Mitchell added their names to the list of champions for the Alessandro Albanese Equitation 15-17 division. The Week 12 class saw 49 horse-and-rider combinations and therefore was held in a California split format which allowed for two champions and two reserve champions.

Sophia Mitchell piloted Lily Walton’s 11-year-old Oldenburg gelding (Contendo I x Anytime), Callahan, to an impressive total of 30 points to receive the title of section A champion.

Madison Mitchell, a working student for Don Stewart, picked up the section B champion title with Damon, an 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Massimo x Dubertha) owned by Cleopatra Georgiades.

For full results, please visit pbiec.coth.com.