The 2024 ESP Holiday & Horses Series, presented by ArthramidVet, launched in style on Friday with the opening of the ESP Holiday Finale at Wellington International. The week kicked off with a spotlight on the hunter division, highlighted by the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby (Hunt & Go), presented by Perfect Products. A competitive field of 35 horse-and-rider pairs took to the arena, each aiming for a place at the top.
Taking center stage in combined Rings 7 and 8, John French (USA) delivered a stellar performance aboard Ocean Road, owned by Marnell Sport Horses. With impressive scores of 92 and 94, French secured a commanding victory with a total of 186. Marcus Au (USA), the previous week’s winner with Desiigner, owned by Continental Stables, LLC, claimed the runner-up spot this time with scores of 89 and 88.5 for a combined 177.5. Augusta Iwasaki (USA) and Magic in the Making, owned by Redfield Farm, finished just half a point behind in third with a total of 177.
$10,000 1.40m Bainbridge Companies Open Stake
After a strong second-place finish the prior week, Amanda Derbyshire (GBR) and Sade De Rialfo Z, owned by Pine Hollow Farm, returned with determination to capture the win in the $10,000 1.40m Bainbridge Companies Open Stake. The pair delivered two flawless rounds, sealing victory with a blazing jump-off time of 34.172 seconds. Alison Robitaille (USA) and Oakingham Lira, owned by Alison Firestone LLC, put up a close fight, finishing just behind with a jump-off time of 34.6 seconds. Rounding out the podium, Lacey Gilbertson (USA) and Baloppi, owned by Seabrook LLC, completed their double-clear effort in 34.661 seconds.
$50,000 Arion Sellier Grand Prix
The $50,000 Arion Sellier Grand Prix served as the pinnacle of the ESP Holiday Finale on Saturday night. Out of a competitive field of 45 entries, Charlie Jayne (USA) delivered a standout performance aboard One and Only, owned by Kaneb Equine Ventures LLC, to claim the top prize.
FEI Level III course designer Anna Catalina “Catsy” Cruz of Mexico crafted a challenging track that narrowed the field to just six for the jump-off. Riding last, Jayne put on a masterclass, clocking an impressive 36.714 seconds to edge out Germany’s Tony Stormanns and his mount, Donjon D’Asschaut, owned by HS Sportpferde GMBH, who posted a time of 37.326 seconds to finish second. Lebanon’s Jad Dana rounded out the podium aboard Itchcock Des Dames, owned by The Itchy Group, with a third-place time of 37.699 seconds.
$5,000 1.35m Open Stake, Sponsored by Pilates Rocks
The 2024 Annual Series came to an exciting close on Sunday with the $5,000 1.35m Open Stake, presented by Pilates Rocks, in the International Arena. Thirty-seven horse-and-rider pairs delivered intense competition for the top spot. Rising to the occasion, 18-year-old Daniel Kerins (IRL) guided Diacette, owned by Gotham Enterrizes LLC, to a swift and fault-free winning time of 40.392 seconds. Close behind, Victoria Birdsall (USA) rode Abigail Wexner’s Las Lajas to a second-place finish in 40.527 seconds. Securing third, Ben Merritt (USA) and Lady Roxy, owned by Suzanne Burns, stopped the clock at 42.152 seconds.
