Ashlee Bond Blazes a Path in Adequan CSI5* WEF Challenge Cup
Ashlee Bond & Donatello 141. Photo © Sportfot
Ashlee Bond (ISR) made a plan for the 2025 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) to have her top mount Donatello 141 peak just in time for the Rolex Grand Prix. That plan is on track after a WEF 7 victory in the $116,100 Adequan® CSI5* WEF Challenge Cup Round 7 on Thursday during the Lugano-sponsored week.
Ahead of the Lugano CSI5* Grand Prix — now offering $500,000 in prize money — on Saturday night, Bond feels “Donnie” is in great shape to continue to jump clear and quick rounds after two months away from the competition ring.
“He is such a fighter and is feeling really good,” Bond said of the 14-year-old Westphalian gelding (Diarado x Lamoureux I). “He came back for the jump-off feeling even stronger than in the first round. We’re on the right track now and hopefully Saturday he’ll come out feeling 100% fit and ready.”
Ten of the top-12 placed riders were Olympians, showing the strength of the field at WEF this season. Anthony D’Ambrosio (USA) set the track for 45 entries with 18 securing a jump-off spot.
Bond knew the pace would be incredibly quick come jump-off time, but she didn’t think about it until it was game time. Up against some of the best in the world, she surprised even herself when she ended up on top.
“I try not to learn the jump-off until I’m in the jump-off because I do what I feel with him,” Bond said about her approach with Donnie. “I went out and did my thing, and I was fortunate that Kent [Farrington] had a rail because he was so fast. I didn’t think I was going to win; Kent was 33 seconds and I was 35. This was a pleasant surprise. We know each other so well so I do what I feel in the moment and not take everything out before [the grand prix on] Saturday.”
Wellington International
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