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Capt. Brian Cournane Steals the Spotlight in Thrilling $10,000 Perfect Products Stake

October 28. 2024

The 2024 ESP Fall III horse show kicked off on Friday, with competitive energy setting the tone on the Derby Field at Equestrian Village. The featured $10,000 Bainbridge Companies 1.40m Open Stake ended on a thrilling note as Natalie Dean (USA) and Luis Fernando Larrazabal (VEN) shared the top spot, each completing the course with a clear round in 37.633 seconds. Dean, who was first to go in the class with Dotcom D’Authuit, owned by Marigold Sporthorses LLC, set an impressive pace for the rest of the field. Larrazabal rose to the challenge with Octavia VD Bisschop, owned by Victoria Heurtematte, to match Dean’s time exactly. Dean also claimed the third-place position with her second entry, Crescendo MB Z, owned by Marigold Sporthorses LLC, with a time of 39.807 seconds.

Natalie Dean & Dotcom D'Authuit (Left) and Luis Fernando Larrazabal & Octavia VD Bisschop (Right), presented as winners of the $10,000 1.40m Open Stake, sponsored by Bainbridge Companies. © Sportfot

In the afternoon, the Derby Annex Field shifted gears, spotlighting hunter riders in the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby, sponsored by Pilates Rocks. American rider Bryce Richardson showcased her expertise aboard her own entry, Sambuca Q, claiming the top score of 168 to clinch the win. Securing the red rosette was Tricia Barr (USA) and her own, Party Started, with an impressive score of 167. Rounding out the top placings was Debra Ward (USA) aboard Tavish, owned by Cinthia Ane-McGreevy, with a score of 153.

Bryce Richardson & Sambuca Q, presented as winners of the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby, sponsored by Pilates Rocks. © Sportfot

Saturday’s schedule featured the exhilarating Florida Coast Equipment 1.35m Stake on the Derby Field, where Great Britain’s Blair Willmer, the only rider to advance to the immediate jump-off, put on a display of precision and speed aboard Arizona to capture the top spot with a time of 37.936 seconds. Securing the second-place title was Ryan Genn (USA) and Concenthaga PS, owned by Bridlebourne Stables LLC, with a 4-fault, first-round time of 74.02 seconds while James Brennan (IRL) secured the third-place title with a 4-fault time of 76.272 seconds aboard Reemah O.L., owned by Crooks Show Jumping LLC.

Blair Willmer & Arizona presented as winners of the Florida Coast Equipment 1.35m Stake. © Sportfot

The weekend reached its grand finale on Sunday with the $10,000 Perfect Products Stake, where anticipation and skill were on full display. USA’s Capt. Brian Cournane, riding Dothraki Warlord, owned by Glenbeigh Farm LLC., ninth to go in the lineup and delivered a masterful performance, stopping the clock in a clear 41.85 seconds to secure first place.

Capt. Brian Cournane & Dothraki Warlord in the $10,000 Perfect Products Stake © Cassidy Klein

Andrew Welles (USA) finished in a close second aboard his own, Cismet 4, with a time of 42.626 seconds. Taking third was Alexandra Welles, who rode Quality-TIme Van Het Heieinde, owned by Andrew Welles LLC, to a flawless round, finishing in 43.376 seconds.

Capt. Brian Cournane & Dothraki Warlord presented as winners of the $10,000 Perfect Products Stake © Cassidy Klein

Next week, competition returns to the main showgrounds at Wellington International for the ESP Fall Finale, set for October 31 through November 3, and we're thrilled to welcome everyone back! We’ve introduced some exciting upgrades to elevate your experience. The venue now features new sections of Equitan surface on bridle paths. Additionally, we’ve installed state-of-the-art LED lighting in the International Ring, creating an exceptional ambiance for evening events. For upcoming prize lists and schedules, please click HERE.

ESP Fall III Photo Gallery

© Cassidy Klein