Erynn Ballard (CAN) kicked off the Summer Series in top form, claiming victory in Sunday’s $24,999 Zen Elite Equestrian Center Grand Prix on the Derby Field. Piloting Gakhir, owned by Ilan Ferder, Ballard delivered a sharp, efficient jump-off round to finish in an unbeatable 38.478 seconds, rising to the top of a competitive 13-horse jump-off over Andy Christiansen’s (ECU) technical track.
Proving her consistency and depth of talent, Ballard also clinched the runner-up spot aboard Fave D’Authuit, also owned by Ilan Ferder. The pair set the pace early in the jump-off with a clear 40.084 seconds, maintaining the lead until Ballard bested her own time later in the order. Wrapping up the podium was Alberto Michan and Joint De Canabis Van De Doornhoeve, winners of the ESP Spring 5 Grand Prix, who stopped the clock in 40.287 seconds for a strong third-place finish.
The class served as the highlight of the day and a thrilling display of international talent, with athletes from around the globe showcasing speed and precision over a course that tested both scope and strategy. Ballard’s dominant performance capped off a successful afternoon, adding two impressive results to her resume aboard the talented Gakhir and Fave D’Authuit.
$10,000 1.40m Open Stake, Sponsored by Bainbridge Companies
Returning to Wellington International’s derby field for ESP June I, Canada’s Erynn Ballard piloted Fave D’Authuit, owned by Ilan Ferder, to victory in the $10,000 1.40m Open Stake, presented by Bainbridge Companies. The duo posted the quickest time of the day, stopping the clock at 30.937 seconds. Close behind, Abigail McArdle (USA) and Olympia Van Het Eikenhof, owned by Sweetwater Jumpers LLC, secured second place with a time of 31.225 seconds. Olivia Venezio (USA) claimed third aboard Flower Z, owned by Vento Farm LLC, finishing in 32.698 seconds.
$2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby, Presented by Parlanti
Marcus Au (USA) dominated the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby, presented by Parlanti, by securing both first and second place finishes. Riding Latoya, owned by The Ridge Farm LLC, Au earned top honors with impressive scores of 87 and 88, totaling 175. He followed up with a second-place finish aboard Storm Cat, owned by Catomine Farm, scoring 86 and 87 for a combined 173. Rounding out the top three was Lexy Reed (USA) aboard Paraduxx, owned by Jillian Fratkin, earning a total score of 165.
$5,000 1.35m Open Stake, Sponsored by Omega Alpha
Saturday morning’s competition on the derby field kicked off with the $5,000 1.35m Open Stake, sponsored by Omega Alpha. Abigail McArdle (USA) and Lisbeth TR, owned by Sweetwater Jumpers LLC, delivered a blazing clear round in 34.932 seconds to secure the win as one of the final contenders in the class. Ireland’s Kevin Mealiff claimed second aboard Seducteur D’Hyrencourt Z, crossing the timers in 36.712 seconds. Rounding out the podium was Colombia’s Simon Arango, who piloted Nayla, owned by Belen Guarderas, to a third-place finish in 37.201 seconds.
$1,000 2'6"/2'9" Hunter Derby, Presented by ProElite
Katherine Newman (USA) and Everknown, owned by Pony Lane Farm, topped the field in the $1,000 2'6"/2'9" Hunter Derby, presented by ProElite. With elegant rounds earning scores of 89 and 84 for a total of 173, the pair claimed the coveted blue ribbon. Just behind them was Marcus Au (USA), who delivered smooth trips aboard Samson B, owned by Alexandra Pace, scoring 83 and 88 for a total of 171 to take second place. Andrew Barone (USA) rounded out the top three with a polished performance on Kanagar, owned by Star Schatten.
Join us next week for ESP June II Equitation Day and ESP June II, featuring another exciting week of competition before we head into our summer break. Be sure to mark your calendars—competition returns to the derby field on August 14 with ESP Summer II, kicking off the second half of our summer season.
Equestrian Sport Productions is proud to present ten summer events, including two standalone equitation days and seven competitions featuring National "A" and Jumper 4* ratings. These upcoming shows will feature a full schedule of hunter, jumper, and equitation classes, offering opportunities for all levels of competition and continuing the momentum built throughout the spring. Please note that permanent stabling is limited—exhibitors are encouraged to reserve stalls early by contacting stabling@wellingtoninternational.com. Spectators and exhibitors alike can look forward to more top sport, beautiful weather, and a vibrant atmosphere at Equestrian Village.
