Andrew Bourns with Sea Topblue. © Sportfot.
Wellington, FL – January 29, 2022 – The highlight of the week at the 2022 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), the $216,000 NetJets Grand Prix CSI4*, provided excitement in chilly temperatures for the fourth installment of the “Saturday Night Lights” series. Andrew Bourns (IRL) and Sea Topblue, owned by Andrew Bourns Sport Horses, were victorious in the grand prix.
There were 44 entries in the grand prix, and they competed over a course set by Peter Grant of Canada. Of those entries, 14 found the path to a clear round and continued to the jump-off.
“To be honest, when I initially walked the course, I didn’t think there would be as many clear rounds,” said Bourns. “I thought the course was big enough and reasonably technical and, in the end, it just shows the strength of the field and the amount of good horses and riders at WEF this time of year. I think we were all a bit surprised to have so many clear rounds.”
The early pacesetter was Olympian Nicola Philippaerts (BEL) and his own Moya VD Bisschop, who were the second to go in the jump-off and set the time to beat at 39.25 seconds.
Nine horses after Philippaerts, WEF newcomer Mark McAuley (IRL) and Jasco VD Bisschop, a 13-year-old Belgian Sport Horse gelding by Dulf van den Bisschop x Krunch de Breve, lowered the winning time to 38.94 seconds.
As the final entry in the jump-off, Bourns was able to squeak by his countryman and cross the timers in 38.76 seconds for the win.
Hannah Hoch Pilots Prospect to Win in Bruno Delgrange Palm Beach Adult Medal
A chilly, breezy morning at the FarmVet Ring 7 wouldn’t deter Wisconsin native Hannah Hoch and Jentle from a strong performance in the Palm Beach Adult Medal, sponsored by Bruno Delgrange.
Hoch rode Jentle, a KWPN gelding by Chaqui Z owned by Heritage Farm, Inc., to the win with a score of 88 over fences and a flat work-off that ensured they remained in the top spot.
“He’s a young horse, so I just wanted to give him a good, confident, accurate ride,” said Hoch of the eight-year-old chestnut. “This is my first show on him. I showed him for the first time on Thursday, and he’s been a great partner so far.”
For more information and results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.