Simon McCarthy Sets Sail in ArthramidVet CSI3* Grand Prix Qualifier at Wellington

Simon McCarthy and Narcotique v/h Dingenshof © Sportfot

Simon McCarthy (IRL) and Narcotique v/h Dingenshof sealed the deal in the $32,000 ArthramidVet CSI3* Grand Prix Qualifier on Friday during the ESP Pre-Charity week at Florida’s Wellington International.

The stage was set for a competitive race to the finish with 16 horses moving forward to the tie-breaking jump-off designed by Hector Loyola (PUR). With blistering footspeed and efficient turns, McCarthy and Narcotique v/h Dingenshof — an 11-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare (Harley x Chacco-Blue) — set an unbeatable standard of 36.57 seconds over the short track.

The closest challenger was Colombia’s Roberto Teran Tafur, who finished second by almost two full seconds in 38.25. He piloted Iron Maiden for owner Rocking Basilisk Farm.

“I’ve had the last fence down in jump-offs a few times lately, so I didn’t make a crazy solid plan this time,” admitted McCarthy. “I wanted to be smooth, and I knew she was going to be quick. I trusted she was going to be careful, but I made myself stay patient and do eight strides to the last. I was proud of myself for that.”

Proud to Be VH on Top in Pilates Rocks USHJA National Hunter Derby

The E. R. Mische Grand Hunter Stadium welcomed derby horses back to the spotlight on Friday with the Pilates Rocks USHJA National Hunter Derby taking center stage. Wellington’s own Kim Barone piloted Proud to Be VH to win the hunt & go competition to set the stage for a winter season full of hunter derby offerings.

The hunt & go format consolidated two rounds into one — with both a classic and a handy element over courses designed by Danny Moore. Scores from judges Jenny Fischer and Tyler Smith were combined for a final deciding tally.

Barone and her 9-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding by Vigo d’Arsouilles posted a final score of 175 to pocket the win for owner Sheryl Scolnick.

“This horse is super cool — I’ve had the pleasure of having him in my barn for a year now, but we’ve been on a break for the last four months, so this was our first class back and he exceeded my expectations,” said Barone of the horse that also competes in the low adult hunter ranks with his owner. “This has been a busy week for us trying to get back in the groove, but it’s fun to be back at [Wellington International].”

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