Luis Fernando Larrazabal on a Spring Streak at Wellington International

Luis Fernando Larrazabal & Condara. Photo © Sportfot

A win in the $62,500 JTWG, Inc. CSI3* Qualifier marked two international wins in as many days for Venezuelan Olympian Luis Francisco Larrazabal. After topping the opening three-star event on Wednesday riding Belle de Muze, owned together with Driss Ngadi, Larrazabal secured another victory on Friday — this time riding his Paris Olympic mount Condara during Wellington International’s Spring Series, presented by Florida Coast Equipment.

Tackling Erica Sportiello’s (BRA) tie-breaking second round, Larrazabal returned late in the order in the winning round format where the top 12 from the opening round jumped off. He and the 13-year-old Mecklenburg mare (Conthargos x Catapult 7) owned by Victoria Heurtematte were the top pair by nearly a full second over runner-up and fellow Paris Olympian Shane Sweetnam for Ireland. Sweetnam’s 41.16-second time settled 9-year-old Coriaan van Klapscheut Z, owned together with Coquest, LLC, into second behind Condara’s 40.08-second time.

Rounding out the top three was the highest ranked female rider in the world (18), Laura Kraut (USA), riding another up-and-coming mount in 9-year-old Emeraldo 4, owned by Stars and Stripes.

“When I have horses like these, I know they’re fast and they have the experience to go for the class,” said Larrazabal of his back-to-back international wins, which were also bolstered by a national 1.40m victory earlier in the day on Thursday. “I always try to go for the win but also focus on my plan instead of looking to the other riders.

“I was a little surprised today because I touched A of the double coming in and I thought I had it down,” continued Larrazabal. “I turned [to look] and I thought I lost a little time there. I was disappointed that I lost my focus, but I kept the pace and I’m very happy it worked out.”

Jacob Pope Clinches Bainbridge Companies Hunt & Go Derby

Hunters returned to the International Arena at Wellington International on Thursday for the $10,000 Bainbridge Companies UHSJA National Hunt & Go Derby, a highlight of hunter action during the Spring Series.

Jacob Pope of Columbia, MD soared to a win after pocking scores of 88.25 and 91 aboard catch ride Hardrock Harmonie SIH for owner Eva Kennedy. Two judges threw scores that were combined for a total score over the one-round “hunt and go” style course designed by Danny Moore. Judges Scott Hofstetter and Ronnie Beard rewarded Pope and his 9-year-old Dutch-bred gelding by Hardrock Z with the highest score over the handy portion of the track, helping them to clinch the win.

Jennifer Bliss of Wellington, FL and Sugarman scored an 89 and 90 for owner Harris Hill Farm to finish second. Colin Syquia of Forest HIlls, NY took third and fourth on Wellington Equestrian Center, Inc.’s Viloubet and Chilmark Farm’s Saloua, respectively.

“I just started riding him last week and we were focused on having some fun in these derbies,” said Pope, who also piloted Fitch, as the horse is known around the barn, to a championship title in the 3’6” performance division after winning three of the four classes over fences this week. “We were second in the derby last week, and this week I felt like he was in the groove and all business.”

Wellington International
news@wellingtoninternational.com
www.wellingtoninternational.com