Jeffery Welles and Gummi Van Oz.
Wellington, FL – February 5, 2014 – Jeffery Welles rode to the top of the leader board during today’s Wellington Turf Tour 1.30m-1.35m Jumpers at Wolfstone Stables. Not only did he take the early lead in the first class aboard Gummi Van Oz, but he also rode to the top rank during the second class with Antaris S. Today also marked the second week of the five-week Young Jumper Championship Series, where Kevin Babington piloted KEC Pineapple Swirl to the first place finish in the 6 and 7/8 Year Old Jumper division.
Week V saw over 25 entries, but Jeffery Welles set the pace from the beginning, becoming the day’s trailblazer as he consistently rode his mounts to the pinnacle of the standings. As only the second to take on the Pierre Jolicouer designed course, Welles laid down the first of only four clear rounds, moving into the jump off with Gummi Van Oz. They tackled the shortened track in a speedy 39.044 seconds. Wendy Ritter Peralta and Cruz Z took the second place, while Josh Dolan and Dynamo rode to the third place finish. Stal Thyssen and Cisco’s Zidane were the last of the four to post a double-clear effort.
On a hot streak, Welles continued into the second class of the day with Antaris S. Although Emanuel Camilli and Zacca Zoeloe posted a speedy round in 29.931 seconds, Welles proved that he could shave the seconds with ease. He sliced the turns and took an inside turn to the final obstacle, allowing him to trip the timers in 28.919 seconds to take over the lead. Although others tried, no one could match his pace. Sandra Dalman and Brightside took over the third place position with a conservative, but clean effort in 32.848 seconds.
In the Young Jumper Championship divisions it came down to a three-horse jump off during the 6 and 7/8 Year Olds. Josh Dolan and Cora were the first to complete the opening round free of fault, then posting a speedy and clean jump off round in 37.300 seconds. Peter Lutz and Coberlina challenged the duo, moving into the jump off with their sights set on the top finish. They completed the course in 36.790 seconds, but Kevin Babington and KEC Pineapple Swirl were not about to go down without a fight.
With a blazing speed, Babington pushed the young horse forward, and turned her quickly through the serpentine of fences. He was able to cut the time, setting an untouchable pace of 32.420 seconds to take the win.
“I think for a 7- or 8-year-old, it is very good. The jumps were very basic, and the course was straightforward. My horse needed that for her first show back. It is very convenient for us because we can just hack down here and jump around, instead of going through the rigmarole of going to the main show,” Babington said.
He continued, “As a qualifier, I think it is fantastic. You can come out for the one day, on the day, without having to jump anything else all week-I really like that.”
Babington showed Pineapple Swirl in the 6-Year-Old YJC division last year, qualifying for the Hamptons, and on the final day they proudly took fourth. After taking several months to recuperate, Babington admitted that he was pleased with her performance today at the Wellington Turf Tour.
“This was her first qualifier back,” Babington described. “She was fresh, which was good, and she turns really quickly. The footing is great, and the facility is wonderful. I will return on Friday to jump on the grass in the Grand Prix.”
Attendees of Week V of the 11-week series can look forward to a show filled with top-tier competitors and horses, and nearly $200,000 in prize money.
The Ridge at Wellington Turf Tour was designed to develop young riders and young horses and provide a change of venue for all riders. The 2013 event was hailed as a highlight of the season with top riders, amateurs and juniors alike choosing to ride in the invitational series, challenging their young horses to a new experience during the Winter Equestrian Festival. The 2014 series returned to the Wellington show scene bigger and better than ever.
The event is approaching quickly, so riders should get their entries in to avoid post-entry fees. The stakes are increasing each week as top riders, amateur and professional, vie for their invitation into the $24,750 Invitational Grand Prix Series Finale Saturday, March 22, 2014, as well as the Leading Rider Bonus.
Meadowbrook Horse Transport will provide transportation to and from the horse show and other locations throughout Wellington for both the Wednesday and Friday events. The transportation is a nominal fee of $50 per horse, and will be calculated into the final show fees. To make a reservation for one of the three pickup times: 8 a.m., 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. please call Peter Tufano of Meadowbrook Horse Transport at (954) 415-7217, or call Nona Garson at (908) 500-0996.
The events run from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Riders are encouraged to get their entries in as soon as possible for the approaching $15,000 Friday Grand Prix. Turning in entries early will ensure that they get the time that they desire.
For more information about the Ridge at Wellington, please go to http://www.theridgefarm.com. For up-to-date information, please follow the Ridge at Wellington on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Ridge-at-Wellington/219358376264.
The Ridge at Wellington Horse Show Series Fast Facts
Events:
The Ridge at Wellington Turf Tour offers their popular 1.40m Invitational Grand Prix for its second year, with an open in gate format taking place once a week at beautiful venues throughout Wellington. The Ridge at Wellington Grand Prix Finale will take place March 22, 2014.
The Turf Tour also will host 1.30m-1.35m Jumpers every Wednesday beginning January 8, 2014 and running until March 19, 2014.
Young Jumper Classes and both Children’s/Senior Jumper Classics will find their home intermittently throughout the Wellington Turf Tour.
The Ridge at Wellington offers Equitation Shows every Tuesday of the month from January – March 2013. There will also be a series of schooling shows at the Ridge at Wellington for all experience levels.
Two USHJA International Hunter Derbies will take place February 7, 2014 and March 21, 2014.
What:
The Ridge at Wellington series includes several weeks of competition throughout the Winter Season with USEF Rated Equitation Shows. This winter will also feature five two-day schooling shows. The Ridge at Wellington Turf Tour will offer 1.30m-1.35m Jumpers, 1.40m Invitational Grand Prix, Young Jumpers, Children’s/Senior Classics, and two hunter derbies.
Where:
Wolfstone Stables
3655 Middleburg Dr,
Wellington, FL 33414
Barn & Show Phone 561-791-1471 | Barn Fax 561-791-1543
When:
Wednesday, January 8, 2014 – 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Friday, January 10, 2014 – 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Hours:
8:30am – 5pm daily
Directions:
From the Florida Turnpike: Take the exit for LakeWorth Road West. Continue on Lake Worth Road approximately 6 miles to South Shore Blvd. Make a left on South Shore Blvd. Continue to the stop sign at 50th Street. Make a Right on 50th Street. Continue to Stables Way and make a right. Continue to the end of Stables Way and make a right on Palm Beach Point Blvd. Driveway to farm is 50 feet on the left.
From Route 95: Take the exit for Forest Hill Blvd West. Continue on Forest Hill Blvd to South Shore Blvd. Make a left on South Shore Blvd. Once on South Shore Blvd, continue straight at light at Pierson Road and again straight through the intersection at Lake Worth Road, to the stop sign at 50th Street. Make a Right on 50th Street. Continue to Stables Way and make a right. Continue to the end of Stables Way and make a right on Palm Beach Point Blvd. Driveway to farm is 50 feet on the left.
Information:
Before Show – (561) 791-1471, Email: RidgeShows@aol.com
During Show – Telephone: (561) 791-1471, Fax: (561) 791-1543
Text: (908) 500-0996
Website: http://www.theridgefarm.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Ridge-at-Wellington/219358376264?ref=ts&fref=ts.
Management:
Nona Garson
14415 Palm Beach Point Blvd. East
Wellington, FL, 33414
(561) 791-1471 (show office)
(908) 839-3859 (show cell)
(561) 791-1543 (show fax)
Email: RidgeShows@aol.com
Website: http://www.theridgefarm.com
Media Contact:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd.
Suite 105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com