David Blake (IRL) and Dy Zento © Sportfot.
Wellington, FL – April 4, 2021 – On the final day of the 2021 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), David Blake (IRL) and Dy Zento, owned by Pine Hollow Farm, put forth a stellar double clear effort on their way to being crowned victorious in the $50,000 Wanderers Club Grand Prix CSI2* on Sunday, April 4, at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC).
In the feature class on Sunday morning, a total of 44 pairs represented the starting field as course designer Olaf Petersen Jr. (GER) set an impressive 1.45m track. Just five horse-and-rider combinations from the first half of the class qualified for the jump-off while another 10 pairs were added to the list from the second half. In the end, an exciting group of 15 set to return represented seven different nations.
The fourth rider to jump in the subsequent round posted the first double clear effort of the day, as Alejandro Karolyi (VEN) guided Venitienne, a Karolyi Showjumping Inc.-owned entry, around the track effortlessly. He and the 12-year-old Selle Français mare by Lando x Flipper D’Elle crossed the finish line in a time of 47.90 seconds.
Next to go would answer the questions even faster as Kevin Mealiff (IRL) and Tupac Van De Vrombautshoeve Z, owned by Oakmont Stables, LLC, set the new leading time of 44.05 seconds. Mealiff and the 11-year-old Zangersheide gelding by Thunder VD Zuuthoeve would hold the lead through the next few pairs until Blake and Dy Zento returned.
Broder and Gorin-Byrne Finish WEF 2021 on a High Note in the Bruno Delgrange Palm Beach Adult Medal
On the final day of the WEF 2021 season, Amber Broder and Tip Jar bested a field of 14 adult equitation riders in the Rost Arena to claim the top prize in the Bruno Delgrange Palm Beach Adult Medal. Tracey Gorin-Byrne and Fiach Byrne Inc.’s Honor Hill’s Giovanni were awarded as the Bruno Delgrange Palm Beach Adult Medal Series Winners.
Equitation riders were asked to navigate an over fences course and then the top 12 scores returned for a flat phase in the medal. Broder, of Setauket, NY, and Tip Jar, owned by Kimberly Griffiths, earned a score of 85 in the first round and moved up two spots in the flat portion to take home the blue ribbon.
“I felt like I did all of the jumps really well,” commented Broder. “I was just trying to make all my distances match and be consistent. He was really with me today. To end so strong with one of my favorite horses and a horse I feel so lucky to ride was amazing.”
For more information and results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.