Colombian Anthem Plays for Mark Bluman and Ubiluc in Hermès 1.50m Classic

Mark Bluman & Ubiluc. Photo ©Sportfot

Wellington, Fla. – March 8, 2026 — The third five-star week of the 2026 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) ended on a win for Colombia’s Mark Bluman riding Ubiluc in the $62,500 Hermès CSI5* 1.50m Classic on Sunday afternoon to close out Week 9. Nine different nations were represented in the second round over Alan Wade’s (IRL) final international track of the week, where the top 12 from the opening round jumped again on a clean slate to determine the winner. Bluman, who is on an exceptional run of form with 14 international podium finishes since November, returned with his 14-year-old Mecklenburg gelding (Ubiko x Lucian) owned by Bluman’s cousin Daniel and Over the Top Stables, to post the eventual winning time.

“My horse is naturally a bit quicker than the rest of the others across the ground,” said Bluman, who stopped the clock at 32.77. “As I was walking in the ring, I asked my cousin if he thought I could get the seven to the double. He said ‘absolutely,’ and I think that’s where we caught the time. My turn from one to two was super slick, and then doing the seven was good enough to take the win.”

Bluman bumped Canadian Olympian Erynn Ballard to second before she was pipped again by Ireland’s Jordan Coyle, who took second riding 15-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding Ariso (Casall Ask x Contender) in 32.80 seconds for owner Elan Farm. Ballard and Ilan Ferder’s mare Dior, another 15-year-old Swedish-bred mount, finished on a time of 33.15 seconds to hold on for third.

“He’s super comfortable jumping 1.50m,” said Bluman, who admits he’s chasing the Hermès 1.50m Championship Jumper Series Final, which will take place on March 21, under the shine of Saturday Night Lights during WEF 11.

Niki Martin and Jackson Champion in Don Little Masters

Niki Martin of Carmel, IN and her own 10-year-old Westphalian gelding, Jackson, took top prize in the $10,000 Don Little Masters Jumper Classic, presented by Rushy Marsh Farm, as well as division champion of the week on Sunday morning during WEF Week 9.

“This is spectacular — I’m 65, so don’t give up, ladies and gentlemen, don’t give up,” said Martin, a now retired interventional radiologist, who has made her comeback to the competition arena with her Hickstead White sired gelding. She was last competing — and winning — in the masters division ten years ago.

A clear round to start the day allowed Martin and Jackson to advance to the second round and stop the clock at an unbeatable 34.57 seconds. The pair swept the division, also winning twice earlier in the week, so take home the top tricolor. Reserve Champion was awarded to Elizabeth Maloney of Franklin, MA riding her own Clementine, a 14-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare.

Purchased from Ryan Genn in 2024, Martin’s partnership with Jackson has grown ever since, with the help of her trainer, Michael Tokaruk.

“The horse has done bigger classes before, and Michael rode him for me this summer. Michael suggested I do this class to have fun riding in the International Arena,” stated Martin.

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