Palm Beach, FL – December 20, 2015 – Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP) announces that the Trump Invitational, due to be held on January 3, 2016, at The Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, has been cancelled.
Due to a series of recent heavy, unprecedented rain events occurring over the past few weeks during which cars were parked on the lawn, the grass turf footing for the jumping arena on the back lawn of The Mar-a-Lago Club was deemed unfit for competition. With the event weeks away, there was not enough time to repair the turf to a level necessary for a world-class event.
ESP CEO Mark Bellissimo stated, “We are extremely disappointed to announce this cancellation. We discussed the situation with the Trump Organization, and we agreed that we have to put the safety and welfare of the horses and riders first and foremost. The footing is not up to the excellent standards of the past two years of the event, and we would not want to risk anyone having any issues. It is our desire to maintain a high standard for quality.”
Mr. Donald Trump added, “Last year we had perfect weather and footing for the Trump Invitational, and it was a great success. It has been one of the great events on the U.S. equestrian schedule. With the amount of rainfall that we have had recently, the turf is just not fit to the high standards we set for all of our events. Our team will get the turf back into world-class shape so that we can host another fantastic event in 2017.”
South Florida has seen a number of cancellations of other sporting events due to the recent weather.
“We look forward to the Central Park Horse Show in late September of 2016 and planning the 2017 Trump Invitational at The Mar-a-Lago Club. I know that it will be back better than ever next year,” Bellissimo said.
The Trump Invitational is a unique event that features the $130,000 Trump Invitational Grand Prix CSI 2* and a $10,000 Junior/Amateur Jumper class, which will be back on the schedule for 2017.
For more information, please visit www.pbiec.com or call 561-793-5867.
Palm Beach, FL – November 25, 2015 – The fourth annual Trump Invitational, presented by Rolex, will be held on Sunday, January 3, 2016, at the beautiful Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, FL. World-class show jumping will be presented along with a special VIP experience overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway. This unique event features the $130,000 Trump Invitational Grand Prix CSI 2*, presented by Rolex, and the $10,000 Junior/Amateur Jumper class.
The $130,000 Trump Invitational Grand Prix, presented by Rolex, will showcase some of the world’s top riders in an FEI world ranking competition. World Number Two ranked rider Kent Farrington was the victor in the first two editions of the event, while Olympic gold medalist Laura Kraut captured the top prize last year.
“I’m excited to return to the Trump Invitational, presented by Rolex, again this year,” Farrington said. “The riders always look forward to it every winter because it’s truly a unique venue to showcase our sport. Hopefully I can make it a three-peat in 2016.”
Kraut added, “With perfect weather and fantastic footing, last year’s Trump Invitational, presented by Rolex, was so much fun. The location is gorgeous, and I can’t wait to return this winter and defend my title.”
“We look forward to welcoming back equestrians and spectators in 2016,” said event organizer Mark Bellissimo. “The grand prix offers a great start to the winter season for the riders with world ranking points on the line. It is a day of fundraising for the Great Charity Challenge, presented by Fidelity Investments®, and we know that this year’s event will help us raise more than $1.5 million once again for local Palm Beach County charities.”
Laura Kraut and Cedric took the title in 2015.
The Trump Invitational, presented by Rolex, quickly became one of the most special events on the equestrian calendar with ringside tables bordering two sides of the jumping arena. Guests are welcomed with a red carpet entrance poolside at The Mar-a-Lago Club. A fabulous theme highlights each year’s decorations as the VIP area welcomes equestrians and celebrities with a gourmet brunch buffet, special drinks, and the opportunity to watch equestrian sport at one of the most breathtaking venues in the world.
The Trump Invitational is the only equestrian event ever to be held on Palm Beach Island and is hosted at The Mar-a-Lago Club, the former Marjorie Merriweather Post Estate built in 1924 and purchased and restored by Donald Trump in 1985. It is one of the most magnificent mansions in the world, is in the national register of historic places, and is a designated U.S National Landmark.
The event will benefit the 2016 Great Charity Challenge (GCC), which has raised over $7.5 million dollars over the last six years for more than 150 Palm Beach County charities. Paige Bellissimo, co-founder of the GCC, will be the Chairperson for the Trump Invitational, presented by Rolex. It will also serve as the kickoff party for the 2016 Winter Equestrian Festival, the 12-week circuit that runs at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center on January 13 to April 3, 2016.
Following the grand prix is a special invitational junior/amateur jumper class that will highlight some of the top junior and amateur riders in the sport.
Riders who would like to participate in either the grand prix or the junior/amateur class, please email Michael Stone at mstone2811@gmail.com.
VIP tables are available – for table information, please contact Anne Caroline Valtin at annecaroline@equestriansport.com. Table reservation forms are available HERE.
Please visit www.pbiec.com or call 561-793-5867 for more information.
Sophie Simpson and HC Woopy 14 Top $5,000 Junior/Amateur-Owner Class
Palm Beach, FL – January 4, 2015 – Show jumping superstars Laura Kraut (USA) and Cedric jumped to the top of an exciting competition Sunday afternoon in the $125,000 Trump Invitational Grand Prix, presented by Rolex. Held at Donald Trump’s scenic estate, The Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, FL, the third annual event featured international show jumping at its best with top finishes for Kraut, Darragh Kenny (IRL) and Brianne Goutal (USA).
Anthony D’Ambrosio, of Red Hook, NY, set the course for Sunday’s competition, which featured 35 horses and riders jumping in a one-of-a-kind setting. With the backdrop of blue skies, palm trees, and sunshine on Florida’s Intracoastal Waterway, the course saw 13 clear rounds that led to an exciting jump-off with seven double clear entries and a race to the finish.
Callan Solem (USA) and the Torlando Group’s VDL Torlando were the first pair to clear the jump-off course without fault and finished seventh in 43.10 seconds. Alexander Zetterman (SWE) and his own Flecu were faster in 41.83 seconds to place sixth. Margie Engle (USA) and Griese, Garber, Hidden Creek and Gladewinds’ Indigo took the lead in 40.74 seconds to eventually place fourth, and Beezie Madden (USA) and Abigail Wexner’s Vanilla followed with the fifth place round in 41.48 seconds.
The final four riders were some of the fastest in the world and fought hard for a win in the prestigious competition where the option of a very tight inside turn and a gallop to the final fence was the final deciding factor. Darragh Kenny made that turn with Oakland Venture LLC’s Fantasy and was fast and clear in 40.12 seconds to take over the lead from Engle, but he eventually settled for second place. Brianne Goutal (USA) and Remarkable Farms LP’s Ballade van het Indihof were next, and did their best to catch the pair. They stopped the clock in 40.62 seconds to take third place. It was down to the final two.
Back-to-back Trump Invitational winner, Kent Farrington (USA), returned to defend his title after winning the inaugural event in 2013 with Amalaya Investment’s Dynamo and also topping the class in 2014 with Robin Parsky’s Blue Angel, but today was not his day. Farrington opted for a very fast outside turn to the last fence with Blue Angel and slipped in the turn, then had a rail down at the final jump. The pair’s time of 36.31 seconds would have given Farrington his third straight win in the competition, but the unfortunate rail put them in ninth place. Last to go, Laura Kraut and Cherry Knoll Farm, Inc.’s Cedric took the inside turn and came through the timers in 39.96 seconds, just ahead of Kenny and Fantasy, to earn a big win.
Kraut and Cedric, a 17-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Chambertin x Carolus Z), have had a long and illustrious partnership that includes team gold in the 2008 Olympic Games and many grand prix victories over the years. Most recently, they topped the $50,000 Holiday& Horses Grand Prix CSI-W 2* at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in November, but this was a class they had not yet conquered.
“I could not be more pleased with him,” Kraut stated in the press conference. “He is 17 years old, but he feels better than ever. He won his last outing a month ago out in Wellington and he has hardly jumped a fence until today. I gave him a little jump on Wednesday and then he came today and he feels great. I thought this would be a good event for him. I targeted him for this, and he came through. He is just an amazing horse, and we have such a relationship now. I feel like I can call on him, and he is there.”
Heading into the jump-off after seeing Farrington have a rail, Kraut admitted, “Did I breathe easier? Well yes, because Kent is so hard to beat, but I had not seen Darragh and Darragh can be equally fast, so I knew I had my work cut out for me. Actually, when I went through the timers I didn’t think that I had won. Cedric jumped so high through the double that it took me a second to get through that. I was quite relieved when they said I had won.”
“I was a little worried because I knew I had to add a stride down the line, the only line in the course; I had to do six and everyone else did five,” Kraut explained. “I thought I could just make up for it by continuing running everywhere, and he was jumping so high that I didn’t think I would have a fence down. I was fortunate that I watched Kent go before me. Beezie Madden also volunteered that she went around the Rolex clock and she slipped, so when I was in the air over that I thought that if I could just turn really short and pull him almost to a stop and turn, it was probably better than running right around. When you run that fast they are going to probably slip. It was perfect, he stood right up and he turned and went, so I think that is probably what did it.”
Following a great win and a beautiful day in Palm Beach, Kraut praised Donald Trump and Equestrian Sport Productions’ CEO Mark Bellissimo for putting on a fantastic event. With footing challenges in year one, Trump put up the money to redo the turf for the 2014 event. The new footing was put to the test with terrible rains in year two, but everything came together this time around.
“I was going to lead off with how amazing this event has evolved,” Kraut acknowledged. “Finally, on the third year, they got lucky. All of the conditions were perfect. It is probably the best grass footing in the world. I went last in the class and last in the jump-off, and I think I had ground as good as the first ones did. It was perfect. It was an absolutely great event.”
“We all look forward to coming here,” she continued. “It gives us something to shoot for after Christmas to start the year off and it was beautiful today. This is a special event. It is a beautiful location and the fact that Mark and Donald have put this together and put this on right here in Palm Beach, it is absolutely gorgeous. It is a prestigious event to try to win and I am very happy to win it.”
Bellissimo spoke about the day as well, declaring, “It was another great event. The weather could not have been more spectacular given what we experienced last year. I think this event has really grown in stature. Donald has been an amazing partner in this effort, and we have had a number of conversations about how we can take this to the next level. I think we are going to introduce something a little more innovative next year with more prize money. I want to thank Rolex for again being an amazing partner and stepping up to be the title sponsor here as well as the Tisbo family with Suncast, Land Rover, and Carol Sollak at Engel & Völkers. Without their help we could not make this happen. Congratulations to Laura. This is her third year here and the third time is the charm as they say. We are very proud of watching that effort. Margaret Duprey’s horse really rose to the occasion.”
Trump also praised the winner and was thrilled with another great event. “I want to congratulate the great champions,” he stated. “I know Laura really wanted to win this and now she has done it. What a great job you have done. It is bravery and it is talent and it is great horses. It was an honor and I want to congratulate Mark and his family for the fantastic job they do in putting the event on. Likewise, we have an excellent one in Central Park, so we have a couple of beauties.”
Darragh Kenny and Fantasy
Trump and Bellissimo put on the first ever Central Park Horse Show in Trump Rink in New York City this September with great success, and look forward to the future of that event, where Kraut along with second and third place finishers Darragh Kenny and Brianne Goutal competed as well. On Sunday, Kenny guided his horse Fantasy to a great jump-off round that just got beat.
“My horse is a little bit greener and younger than Cedric, so I was fighting an uphill battle,” Kenny laughed after the class. “She is really talented and I really think a lot of her, but I knew that when I came out of the ring with Kent and Laura going after me, chances are one of them was going to beat me. It was a great class and this it the first year I have actually jumped this class, so it was really enjoyable. The footing is fantastic. The show is brilliant. Donald and Mark do an amazing job with it.”
Goutal also had an excellent round with her mare, Ballade van het Indihof, and praised the mare as well as Trump and Bellissimo’s efforts in the event.
“It was really special for me because I haven’t shown this horse in almost two years,” Goutal detailed. “She had some time off due to injuries and it is her first real grand prix back and for sure in the United States, she hasn’t been here in almost two years. I was absolutely thrilled with her. She is so amazing.”
“The venue is incredible,” Goutal continued. “In my opinion and I think most of our opinions, the Trump/Bellissimo team now has, if not the two best shows in the world, two of the best. Tropical venue wise, nothing compares to this one, especially with the footing upgrades and the prestige and everything that’s involved. The Central Park show, when you talk about an inner city show, we jump a lot during the year and over the summer in all these big places and in my opinion Central Park is incomparable to anywhere else as well. A huge thank you for those two.”
Net proceeds from the Trump Invitational benefit the 2015 Great Charity Challenge presented by Fidelity Investments® (FTI GCC), which will be held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center on Saturday, February 7. The pro-am team competition, founded in 2010 by Mark and Katherine Bellissimo and their daughter, Paige, has distributed more than $6.2 million to more than 100 Palm Beach County charities over the past five years. In addition to 28 charities already selected to participate in this year’s competition, four more were selected during Sunday’s event, including CROS Ministries, Take Stock in Children Palm Beach, Gratitude House, and Leadership Palm Beach County.
Sophie Simpson and HC Woopy 14
Following the Trump Invitational, the future stars of show jumping took their turn in the spotlight. The brightest among them was Sophie Simpson, who guided Riffle Hitch Bloodstock’s HC Woopy 14 to best 13 invitational competitors in the $5,000 Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Speed Class.
One of three to leave all rails in their cups and beat the clock, Simpson and her nine-year-old Holsteiner mare crossed the timers in 57.004 seconds. Jumping to second, Addison Geirkink piloted Tiffany, owned by Kadley Holdings, LLC, to a clear trip in 58.369 seconds. Keeping the only clear rounds in the top three, Joyce Green and her own Cassidy stopped the clock at 63.919 seconds for third.
A sale horse purchased by Simpson’s mother and trainer Nicole Shahinian-Simpson, HC Woopy 14 confirmed today that she is exactly where they want her to be. “We are in a good spot for the rest of the season,” said Simpson. “She is coming along quickly and always looking for the next jump. She’s becoming a real competitor and fighter – jumping clean and going fast.”
While far from a rookie in the show ring, Simpson jumped for the first time at the Trump Invitational this year and admits she has never experienced a horse show quite like it.
“I was lucky enough to come here and have this experience – it’s an odd process to only have one horse at a one-day horse show,” she said. “It’s different than what we are used to, but so good to have these kinds of classes that bring other types of people into the sport.”
Sweetening Simpson’s first week of 2015 even further, she participated in the George H. Morris Horsemastership Training Session presented by the USHJA at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center just days prior to debuting at Mar-a-Lago. The experience served her well as she admits to hearing Morris’s voice reminding her “where are your feet and pick your hands up” while in the ring.
“I saw him [Morris] on the rail today and thanked him for the week,” recalled Simpson. “He said to me, ‘I watched your flatwork. It was very, very good,’ and I thought, okay – I had a successful week.”
Seventeen-year-old Simpson is coming off one of her final years as a Junior rider and has already committed to ride for the University of South Carolina Gamecocks come Fall 2016. While being signed to a collegiate team two years in advance is an honor, Simpson humbly gave credit to her team. “I have found that it takes a team to get to the ring. I am very fortunate to have great horses and tons of people supporting and getting me to the ring day to day. I am so lucky,” she concluded.
Sunday’s event also served as a kick-off to the season for the 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival. The 12-week circuit, held at the beautiful Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, begins this Wednesday, January 7, and runs through March 29, 2015. During week one, the $75,000 Battle of the Sexes will be held on Saturday, January 10, with gates opening at 6 p.m. The first grand prix of the circuit, featuring $30,000 in prize money, will be held on Sunday, January 11, at 2 p.m. For more information, please visit www.equestriansport.com.
Lauren Fisher and Lindsay Brock for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Wellington, FL – December 30, 2014 – The third annual Trump Invitational, presented by Rolex, will be held on Sunday, January 4, 2015, at the beautiful Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, FL. In addition to world-class show jumping alongside the Intracoastal Waterway, there will be a red carpet entrance, Perrier-Jouët champagne, and a poolside Welcome Reception presented by Suncast® and Carol Sollak PA of Engel & Völkers. A VIP experience borders the ring and looks out over the water, making the Trump Invitational one of the most unique show jumping events in the world. Several luxury items will also be featured in this year’s live auction.
The $125,000 Trump Invitational Grand Prix will showcase 35 of the world’s top riders in an FEI world ranking competition, including World Number Two Kent Farrington, two-time Olympic gold medalists Beezie Madden and McLain Ward, Olympic gold medalist Laura Kraut, top show jumper Georgina Bloomberg, and up-and-coming star Jessica Springsteen.
The co-chairpersons for the event are Paige Bellissimo, Ivanka Trump, and Georgina Bloomberg.
The event will benefit the 2015 Great Charity Challenge, presented by Fidelity Investments®, which has raised over $6.2 million dollars over the last five years for more than 100 Palm Beach County charities. It will also serve as the kickoff party for the 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival, the 12-week circuit that runs at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center on January 7 – March 29, 2015.
The Trump Invitational is the only equestrian event ever to be held on Palm Beach Island and is hosted at The Mar-a-Lago Club, the former Marjorie Merriweather Post Estate built in 1924 and purchased and restored by Donald Trump in 1985. It is one of the most magnificent mansions in the world, is in the national register of historic places, and is a designated U.S National Landmark.
Rolex returns as the presenting sponsor, and additional sponsors include Suncast®, Land Rover, Carol Sollak PA of Engel & Völkers, Perrier-Jouët, Rosenbaum Mollengarden, PLLC, and Horseshoe Trail Farm.
Following the grand prix is a special invitational junior/amateur jumper class that will highlight some of the top junior and amateur riders in the sport.
Wellington, FL – December 19, 2014 – Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP) is pleased to announce that they will host the third annual Trump Invitational, presented by Rolex, on Sunday, January 4, 2015, at the beautiful Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, FL. The $125,000 Trump Invitational Grand Prix, presented by Rolex, will showcase 35 of the world’s top riders in an FEI world ranking competition.
“We are excited to return once again to Mr. Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Club for this unique and special show jumping event,” said ESP CEO Mark Bellissimo. “Donald made a significant investment in the footing for last year’s event, which paid off when it held up during intense rainstorms. This year we hope for weather as fantastic as the setting and the competition.”
Mr. Trump stated, “We look forward to another great event. The big question is: can Kent Farrington make it three wins in a row?”
The Trump Invitational, presented by Rolex, will host some of the top riders in the world in the $125,000 grand prix. Riders expected to attend include: World Number Two Kent Farrington, two-time Olympic gold medalists Beezie Madden and McLain Ward, Olympic gold medalist Laura Kraut, top show jumper Georgina Bloomberg, and up-and-coming star Jessica Springsteen.
Farrington has won both previous editions of the Trump Invitational, presented by Rolex, and will defend his title in 2015. “The Trump Invitational, presented by Rolex, is a unique show jumping event. The setting is spectacular, and it’s a great addition to our winter show jumping calendar,” he said. “I look forward to competing there again in January.”
Once again, the Trump Invitational, presented by Rolex, will benefit the 2015 Great Charity Challenge, presented by Fidelity Investments®, which has raised over $6.2 million dollars over the last five years for more than 100 Palm Beach County charities. The Trump Invitational, presented by Rolex, will also serve as the kick-off party for the 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival, the 12-week circuit that runs at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center on January 7 – March 29, 2015.
The Trump Invitational, presented by Rolex, is the only equestrian event ever to be held on Palm Beach Island and is hosted at The Mar-a-Lago Club, the former Marjorie Merriweather Post Estate built in 1924 and purchased and restored by Donald Trump in 1985. It is one of the most magnificent mansions in the world, is in the national register of historic places, and is a designated U.S National Landmark.
In addition to show jumping alongside the Intracoastal Waterway, there will be cocktails and a red carpet welcome at the pool and a VIP experience bordering the ring.
This year Rolex returns as the presenting sponsor. Additional sponsors of the Trump Invitational, presented by Rolex, include Land Rover, longtime supporter Suncast®, as well as Carol Sollak of Engel & Völkers.
Following the $125,000 Trump Invitational Grand Prix, presented by Rolex, ESP will once again host a special invitational junior/amateur jumper class that will highlight 10 of the top amateur riders in the sport. For specific competition questions, please contact Michael Stone at mstone2811@gmail.com.
Palm Beach, FL – January 5, 2014 – Kent Farrington (USA) and Robin Parsky’s Blue Angel added another victory to their roster of recent wins with a top finish in Sunday’s $125,000 Trump Invitational Grand Prix, presented by Rolex. Held at The Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, FL, the second annual event brought together many of the best in equestrian show jumping for a day of great competition and charity fundraising, set on the lawn of Mr. Donald Trump’s scenic estate. Despite substantial rain, the grass footing that was newly replaced after last year’s event held up well throughout the day’s competition to give Farrington his second consecutive victory. He won the inaugural competition in 2013 aboard Amalaya Investments’ Dynamo.
International course designer Anthony D’Ambrosio, of Red Hook, NY, set the track for Sunday’s highlight competition with twenty-eight horse and rider combinations, eight of which cleared the course without fault to advance to the jump-off. Seven entries returned over the short course with three double clear efforts. Kent Farrington and Blue Angel, a 2002 Anglo European mare by Luidam x Ascendant, led the victory gallop with a time of 36.85 seconds.
Candice King (USA) and Bellissimo LLC’s Kismet 50 finished second with a clear jump-off round in 38.76 seconds, and Todd Minikus (USA) and Legacy Stables LLC’s Uraguay were third in 38.88 seconds. Lauren Hough (USA) and The Ohlala Group’s Ohlala had the fastest four-fault round in 38.30 seconds for fourth place.
Following an exciting class, Equestrian Sport Productions CEO Mark Bellissimo praised the event and its many contributors, including the addition of new turf footing installed by Mr. Trump. “I think this event was amazing,” Bellissimo acknowledged. “To see the riders take very significant horses into the ring and ride in this condition is a testament to the great investment that Donald had in this class. Congratulations to Kent – another great job and a gutsy ride. I also want to reach out to all of the sponsors and all of the phenomenal contributors to this event. I am very excited about this class, and I think that this will grow in stature each year.”
Donald Trump had another great year hosting the event and looks forward to 2015. “I just want to congratulate Kent and our great champions,” Trump smiled. “They are amazing athletes. As a novice, I think the weather made it more exciting. Last year we had the sun beaming down, and it was hot. I had no idea that these athletes could even perform in this kind of weather. I was very surprised by it, and it was amazing. I think it really made it quite exciting.”
After back to back wins, Farrington expressed his gratitude for another victory, as well as the improved conditions this year. “I think all of the riders want to applaud Donald and Mark for redoing the footing,” he stated. “I think that is a huge effort for them to undertake, and part of making this a really top-notch, high level event so that we can bring our best horses here and know that we can count on great footing even in conditions that aren’t ideal, like today. I think it is really exciting having Donald get involved in our sport. I think that raises not only the level of competition, but also the exposure here in Florida. Also thank you to Rolex for getting involved, I think that is huge for show jumping in North America.”
Commenting on his success with Blue Angel, Farrington noted, “That horse was already a winner before I started riding it. Lauren Hough had a lot of success with it, and it continues to be a great horse. It’s great to win two in a row (here). A big win is always exciting and for this event, to be part of it and to win it, is really special for me.”
Farrington went into the jump-off after some very fast rides and a clear round already posted by Todd Minikus and Uraguay, but he shaved almost two seconds off of their time for the winning round.
“These are fast riders that I’m against, so it was more to measure the competition and to see how fast they were going so that I could plan my ride accordingly,” he said of the jump-off. “Todd is one of the fastest riders in the world, so today I relied on the speed on my horse and I just tried to stay very smooth. That horse is a seasoned competitor. She knows her job and she is all business when she comes to the show.”
Candice King and Kismet 50
Candice King was pleased with her second place finish aboard Kismet 50, who put in a great effort in Sunday’s class as well. “Kismet 50 is quite special to me,” the rider stated. “I am usually one to go double clean and not so fast, but I was going last, so I wanted to really put it all out there as best I could. I knew I could go as quick as I safely could on this footing in the rain, so I tried to put it as smooth as I could, be quick and efficient, and see where it brought me.”
Commenting on the course, King added, “Anthony is seasoned; he builds all over the world and he did a fantastic job. This arena and this setting are fantastic, and the footing this year was great. There is no way that we could have competed like we could today at a lot of venues on grass. That is a testament to the new footing put in, and we are really appreciative as riders for our horses and their safety.”
Third place finisher, Todd Minikus, also had a great day. “I thought Uraguay jumped a fantastic first round and, going earlier in the jump-off, my plan was to put in a double clear and hope everyone else had a rain storm come in and give them a little bad luck,” Minikus joked. “I left the door open. I told the handlers of Uraguay when I came out, ‘That was a third place round,’ and it was. Nevertheless, we are very happy to be part of this event. I know everybody is extremely thrilled, and even though it was a little wet, it was a great day.”
Paige Bellissimo, chairwoman of the event along with Georgina Bloomberg and Ivanka Trump, summed it up nicely with her take on the day, stating, “Unfortunately, we couldn’t control the weather, but we tried our best to control all of the other elements, and I think everything else came out really well. The whole team put in so much work, and I think you could really see it. Everything came together except the weather, and all of the riders did an incredible job and really showed what great athletes they are to prevail through these conditions.”
Cloe Hymowitz and Bon Vivant Top $5,000 Junior/Amateur Speed Exhibition Class
A $5,000 Junior/Amateur Jumper Speed Exhibition class, sponsored by EnTrust Capital, was also featured on Sunday afternoon following the main event. The exhibition class gave junior and amateur riders a special opportunity to compete at this unique venue and saw an exciting win for Cloe Hymowitz and Rose Hill Farm’s Bon Vivant. The pair had the fastest of three clear rounds with a time of 53.42 seconds. Heather Hooker and her longtime partner Perle finished second with a time of 56.83 seconds. Kira Kerkorian placed third aboard Lisa Kerkorian’s Rashmo Z in 59.46 seconds.
Cloe Hymowitz and Bon Vivant
Hymowitz explained that she had not ridden in a month before Sunday’s class and was very happy with her ride. “I didn’t expect much, but I have confidence in my horse and myself,” she remarked. “With the conditions, it is definitely more challenging. With the rain, you want to be more careful and cautious when you make turns, but I went out there and rode my hardest and did my best, so I’m very happy and excited.”
“It is an amazing opportunity,” she said of showing at The Mar-a-Lago Club. “This is probably the nicest horse show I have ever been to. I was really excited when I heard that I was invited to compete. It was nice to see all of the top grand prix riders compete first and be able to watch how they executed their course and learn from them. It is definitely an honor to come and ride here with all of these great riders.”
Heather Hooker has had her horse Perle for almost five years and had confidence in her ride on Sunday. “We have done horse shows all over the place together,” Hooker stated. “Any conditions, you name it, she’s game. I can always trust her. The conditions definitely made it a little more challenging, but it was a really nice course and the footing held up really well.”
Michael Stone, President of Equestrian Sport Productions, concluded the day by thanking EnTrust Capital for their support of the new class. “We wanted to add something special for the riders that don’t often get to jump in front of the limelight like this, and then we were very lucky that EnTrust really wanted to sponsor it,” Stone noted. “We are really delighted that they wanted to do it because the enthusiasm from the riders is fantastic.”
The second annual Trump Invitational, presented by Rolex, would not be possible without the generous sponsors that support the event. Equestrian Sport Productions would like to recognize Mar-a-Lago Club; Rolex; Suncast Corporation; The Bainbridge Companies; Gucci; Nespresso USA; EnTrust Capital; Salamander Resort & Spa; Carol A Sollak PA, Engel & Völkers; Braman Motorcars; Perrier-Jouët; Rosebaum Mollengarden, PLLC; Remarkable Partners; Debbie Burrows; and Gut Einhaus.
Sunday’s class also served as a kick-off to the season for the 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival. The 12-week circuit begins this Wednesday, January 8, and runs through March 30, 2014. The Mar-a-Lago Club is the title sponsor of week one competition as well as the presenting sponsor of the $30,000 Mar-a-Lago Club Grand Prix, which will be held on Sunday, January 12, at the beautiful Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Another highlight of the week is the $75,000 Nespresso Battle of the Sexes, which starts the “Saturday Night Lights” series on Saturday, January 11, with gates opening at 6 p.m. For more information, please visit www.equestriansport.com.
Junior/Amateur Riders Named for Speed Exhibition Class
Wellington, FL – January 4, 2014 – Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP) announces the following riders have been invited to the $5,000 Junior/Amateur Jumper Speed Exhibition class, sponsored by EnTrust Capital. The class follows the $125,000 Trump Invitational Grand Prix, presented by Rolex, and is held at The Mar-a-Lago Club on Palm Beach Island on Sunday, January 5, 2014. The exhibition class gives junior and amateur riders a special opportunity of competing at this unique event. Adding to the entertainment at this year’s event will be a dressage exhibition by Olympian David Marcus.
The riders invited to compete in the $5,000 Junior/Amateur Jumper Speed Exhibition class, sponsored by EnTrust Capital, are: Gustavo Mirabal, Hannah Patten, Madeline Thatcher, Annabelle Gundlach, Cloe Hymowitz, Heather Hooker, Mareya Godoy, Jennifer Gates, Kira Kerkorian, Jennifer Santana, Alicia Gamboa, Mikala Chesler, and Paris Sellon.
An elegant dressage exhibition will be performed by Canadian Olympian David Marcus on one of his top horses, Don Kontes, during Sunday’s festivities. “I look forward to introducing dressage to the spectators at the Trump Invitational,” Marcus said. “The Mar-a-Lago Club is a spectacular venue, and I think it will be a great experience!”
Born in Omaha, Nebraska, David Marcus began riding at the age of seven. In 1996, he made a decision to take the sport to the next level, heading north of the border to Canada to train with Olympic-level coaches while also pursuing his university education. Marcus represented the United States in five North American Young Riders’ Championships, winning silver and bronze medals.
At the end of 2011, Marcus officially became a Canadian citizen, and immediately began representing his new home country successfully at the Grand Prix level with Chrevi’s Capital and Don Kontes. In his Canadian Team debut at the 2012 Nations Cup at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival, Marcus and Chrevi’s Capital proudly wore the maple leaf, scoring a win for Canada. Marcus drew on that top performance and represented Canada at the 2012 London Olympic Games.
Following London, Marcus continued to excel in international competition, topping the 2012/2013 North American World Cup League and enjoying impressive victories at such prestigious events as CDI-W Dressage at Devon, the CDI-W at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival and, most recently, the $20,000 Royal Invitational Cup at Toronto’s Royal Horse Show.
Marcus has his sights firmly set on the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France, and, in preparation, will compete throughout the winter circuit in Wellington at the 2014 Adequan Global Dressage Festival.
With the addition of the $5,000 Junior/Amateur Jumper Speed Exhibition class, sponsored by EnTrust Capital, as well as a grand prix dressage exhibition, the Trump Invitational, presented by Rolex, is sure to be an exciting, action-packed day.
The Trump Invitational, presented by Rolex, serves as the kick-off party for the 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival, the 12-week circuit that runs at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington on January 8 – March 30, 2014.
Mar-a-Lago, the former Marjorie Merriweather Post Estate purchased and restored by Mr. Donald Trump in 1985, is one of the most spectacular mansions in the world and in the national register of historic places and a designated U.S National Landmark. The Trump Invitational, presented by Rolex, is the only equestrian event ever held on Palm Beach Island. Ivanka Trump, Georgina Bloomberg, and Paige Bellissimo are co-chairs of the event.
Tables are selling quickly – if you would like to buy a table, please call Anne Caroline Valtin as soon as possible at 561.784.1133 or email annecaroline@equestriansport.com. Tables will be fulfilled on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no general admission to this event.
Wellington, FL – January 2, 2014 – The second annual Trump Invitational, presented by Rolex, will be held on Sunday, January 5, 2014, at the beautiful Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, FL. The $125,000 Trump Invitational Grand Prix, presented by Rolex, will showcase 36 of the world’s top riders in an FEI world ranking competition.
This one-of-a-kind event would not be possible without the many generous sponsors that support the show, and management company Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP) would like to take the opportunity to recognize the major sponsors of the 2014 Trump Invitational, presented by Rolex.
“We have to thank our corporate and private sponsors for supporting this unique event,” said ESP CEO Mark Bellissimo. “We would like to recognize those that stepped up as founding sponsors during last year’s event, like Tom Tisbo and Suncast. In addition to supporting the Trump Invitational, Suncast has been instrumental in elevating international show jumping competition as a sponsor at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival for years. A big thank you goes to all of these sponsors for making this year’s Trump Invitational a fantastic event.”
The Mar-a-Lago Club serves as the picturesque setting for the only equestrian event to be held on Palm Beach Island. The club is the embodiment of luxury and enjoyment and is one of the most sought after private clubs in the world. Thanks to Donald J. Trump’s meticulous watch, the architectural masterpiece is presented in all its regal glory with unsurpassed amenities and first-class service. The bucolic grounds provide a stunning backdrop for top equestrian sport.
Rolex is the presenting sponsor of the Trump Invitational and has been an iconic sponsor of equestrian sport since 1957. Its Oyster watches are symbols of excellence, performance, and prestige across the globe. Rolex is also the “Official Timepiece” of the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, home of the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF), which begins its 12-week circuit on January 8. The Trump Invitational, presented by Rolex, will also serve as the kick-off party for the 2014 FTI WEF.
The Trump Invitational enjoys support from many of the major contributors of the FTI WEF, including long-time sponsor Suncast. Suncast Corporation manufactures home and outdoor storage products in the United States. It offers resin sheds, deck boxes, hose reels, and patio accessories as well as garden products, all sold through retailers across the country. The company was founded in 1984 and is based in Batavia, Illinois.
The Bainbridge Companies are another long-time major contributor to the FTI WEF that has chosen to support another first-class competition with its sponsorship of the Trump Invitational. As one of the most highly recognized and respected companies in luxury rental apartment development, owner and management industry, Bainbridge is all about building community. Chairman and CEO Richard Schechter is an active equestrian himself and has become very involved with both the FTI WEF and the Trump Invitational. The Bainbridge Companies are headquartered in Wellington, Florida, and Bethesda, Maryland, a suburb of Washington, D.C., where Schecter began the business in 1993.
Gucci, an Official Major Corporate Sponsor and Partner of the Trump Invitational, is the exclusive fashion and luxury sponsor for the Trump Invitational. Gucci’s partnership with the Trump Invitational is the latest extension of the House’s deeply rooted relationship with the equestrian world. American champion show jumper Jessica Springsteen, who has recently become the newest member of Gucci’s team of equestrian ambassadors, will compete at the show and debut her personalized Gucci riding wardrobe designed by Creative Director Frida Giannini.
In addition to hosting world-class professional competitors, the Trump Invitational, presented by Rolex, will also see some of the world’s best junior and amateur competitors in the $5,000 Junior/Amateur Speed Exhibition class, which is sponsored by EnTrust Capital. The company specializes in providing investment management services through a range of fund of funds investment products to Public, Corporate and Taft-Hartley pension funds, foundations, endowments and high net worth individuals and families. At the core of the firm’s culture is a strong emphasis on personal service, a high level of communication, performing their own due diligence, and utilizing their proprietary risk management system.
The new Salamander Resort & Spa, located in the heart of horse country in Middleburg, Virginia, is an excellent complement to the Trump Invitational’s grand setting on Palm Beach Island. Owner Sheila C. Johnson, co-founder of Black Entertainment Television and Executive Producer of Lee Daniels’ movie “The Butler,” created the resort to have the feel of a grand manor to honor its stunning natural setting. The majority of the 340-acre property is placed in a conservation easement and features a 23,000-square foot spa, a full-service equestrian center, tennis, stunning pool, fine dining, and beautiful conference and banquet facilities.
Nespresso USA was a founding sponsor of last year’s Trump Invitational. This is also the sixth year of their title sponsorship of the Battle of the Sexes competition at the FTI WEF. Held on Saturday, January 11, the Nespresso Battle of the Sexes kicks off the “Saturday Night Lights” series. Nespresso is the worldwide pioneer of Espresso coffee, redefining the way coffee lovers around the world enjoy their Espresso coffee through a unique combination of premium quality Grand Cru coffees, smart coffee machines and exceptional customer service.
Experienced real estate professional Carol A Sollak PA, Engel & Völkers, directs the operations of Engel & Völkers’ Wellington brokerage. Located in the heart of South Florida’s largest equestrian community, Engel & Völkers Wellington represents a distinct brand of exceptional real estate service and international reach. Consistent, exceptional service has been the driver behind the company’s worldwide expansion and international recognition as a top-tier real estate service provider.
Norman Braman, founder of Braman Motorcars, shares Donald Trump’s passion for philanthropy. He is well known in South Florida for his community activism and has infused those values into the Braman Motorcars brand. Braman Motorcars offers the South Florida area an unsurpassed luxury auto experience, which the company continually endeavors to further improve with their first-class customer service.
The official champagne of the Trump Invitational is champagne house Perrier-Jouët. Since its foundation in 1811, Perrier-Jouët has crafted elegant, floral wines of rare finesse with a chardonnay hallmark. The elegance of the cuvees echoes that of the art nouveau anemones adorning the belle époque bottle and offers moments of pure delight and beauty.
Additional featured sponsor Rosenbaum Mollengarden PLLC is a true 21st century law firm that has made the adjustments needed to provide its clients with the highest level of personalized and cost effective legal services. The legal abilities, experience, and raw talent of the attorneys at Rosebaum Mollengarden, PLLC span most areas of the practice of law and, in turn, are well qualified to handle almost any case or matter.
In addition to corporate sponsors, there is a group of private sponsors and farms that are supporting the event that will be honored during the day of the show. ESP extends its sincere thanks to all of the sponsors of the 2014 competition and looks forward to another spectacular year of first-class equestrian competition at one of the most iconic venues in the world. Without the support of generous sponsors, this one-of-a-kind event would not be possible.
Tables are selling quickly – if you would like to buy a table, please call Anne Caroline Valtin as soon as possible at 561.784.1133 or email annecaroline@equestriansport.com. Tables will be fulfilled on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no general admission to this event.
The $125,000 FEI Grand Prix Show Jumping Event will raise money toward the 2014 FTI Consulting Great Charity Challenge presented by Fidelity Investments fundraising goal of $1.75 million
Wellington, FL – December 4, 2013 – Donald Trump and Mark Bellissimo announced today that they will host the second annual Trump Invitational on Sunday, January 5, 2014, at the beautiful Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, FL. The $125,000 Trump Invitational Grand Prix presented by Rolex will showcase 35 of the world’s top riders in an FEI world ranking competition. Once again, the Trump Invitational will benefit the 2014 FTI Consulting Great Charity Challenge presented by Fidelity Investments (FTI GCC), which has raised more than $4.2 million dollars over the last four years for over 90 Palm Beach County charities. It will also serve as the kick-off party for the 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival, the 12-week circuit that runs at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center on January 8 – March 30, 2014.
The Trump Invitational is the only equestrian event ever to be held on Palm Beach Island and is hosted at The Mar-a-Lago Club, the former Marjorie Merriweather Post Estate built in 1924 and purchased and restored by Donald Trump in 1985. It is one of the most magnificent mansions in the world, is in the national register of historic places, and is a designated U.S. National Landmark.
“Last year’s Trump Invitational was a spectacular, one-of-a-kind event. In addition to showcasing equestrian sport’s top athletes in a FEI world ranking class, the event was instrumental in achieving our record-breaking fundraising for the FTI GCC,” said ESP CEO Mark Bellissimo.
This year, the event will set a new standard with one-of-a-kind auction items, exciting musical guests, and improved footing. Bellissimo noted, “Donald was extremely generous in providing both a $100,000 FTI GCC donation as well as donating his time in two golf outing auction items that raised an additional $68,000 towards last year’s record FTI GCC fundraising of $1.5 million.”
Mr. Trump added, “It is vital during these difficult financial times to support the efforts of the unsung heroes that operate these great charitable organizations within Palm Beach County. I am honored to be a part of this effort.”
Mr. Trump’s daughter Ivanka will join Paige Bellissimo and Georgina Bloomberg as event chairs.
Spectacular New Footing to Provide Unparalleled Show Jumping Competition
Last spring, based on feedback from the riders, Trump spared no expense by engaging the team from Equestrian Services International (ESI) led by Brett Raflowitz to replace the footing on the lawn of The Mar-a-Lago Club utilizing ESI’s “Turf Blend Footing,” a top soil mix with fiber and three different blends of sand that now provides the base for approximately 98,000 square feet of new Celebration turf. Mr. Trump commented, “A world-class event requires world-class footing.”
In addition to show jumping alongside the Intracoastal Waterway, there will be cocktails and a red carpet welcome at the pool and a VIP experience bordering the ring. Equestrian Sport Productions expects that many of the top riders in the world, including Olympians, international competitors, and up-and-coming stars, will return to the Trump Invitational to compete.
If you would like to attend this historic show jumping event, or are interested in competing, please call Anne Caroline Valtin at 561.784.1133 or send an email to annecaroline@equestriansport.com.
About Rolex
Oyster watches are symbols of excellence, performance, and prestige. Pioneer in the development of the wristwatch since 1905, the brand is at the origin of several landmark innovations in watchmaking, including the Oyster, the first waterproof wristwatch, and the perpetual rotor self-winding mechanism. Rolex is also actively involved in supporting the arts, exploration, sports, and the environment through sponsoring and philanthropic programs. Rolex has been present in equestrian sports since 1957. For more information, visit www.rolex.com.
About the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival
The 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF) has 12 weeks of world class competition running from January 8 through March 30. The FTI WEF is run by Equestrian Sport Productions and Wellington Equestrian Partners and held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL. All 12 weeks are “AA” rated and Jumper Rated 6, with more close to $8 million in prize money awarded. Please visit www.equestriansport.com for more information.
About the FTI Consulting Great Charity Challenge presented by Fidelity Investments (FTI GCC)
Founded in 2010 by Mark Bellissimo and his daughter Paige, the FTI Consulting Great Charity Challenge presented by Fidelity Investments raises and distributes money to Palm Beach County based charities. This unique show jumping event aligns 34 show jumping teams with 34 randomly selected charities that serve the county. Please visit www.ftigreatcharitychallenge.com for more information.
Palm Beach, FL – January 7, 2013 – The first ever $100,000 Trump Invitational Grand Prix CSI 2* debuted to rave reviews on Sunday, January 6, at the beautiful Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, FL. With some of the world’s top show jumpers competing on the lawn of Donald Trump’s scenic estate overlooking South Florida’s Intracoastal Waterway, U.S. rider Kent Farrington jumped to victory in the inaugural class aboard Amalaya Investments’ Dynamo.
The Trump Invitational benefits the 2013 FTI Consulting Great Charity Challenge (FTI GCC), present by Fidelity Investments, one of the hallmarks of Equestrian Sport Productions’ FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival. The event has raised and distributed over $2.7 million to local Palm Beach charities over the last three years. In addition to the grand prix competition on Sunday, a wild card charity was drawn for the 2013 FTI GCC, The Voice winner Cassadee Pope performed some of her top songs as well as the national anthem, and Olympic Dressage duo Tina Konyot and Calecto V performed their winning freestyle exhibition.
