ESP Fall II carried on the fall season’s momentum at Wellington International. Following Thursday’s schooling sessions, competition ran from Friday through Sunday with both hunter and jumper riders showcasing their talents. Hunters took the spotlight on Friday and Saturday, while jumpers delivered exciting rounds across the week’s schedule.
A highlight of the weekend’s jumper action came on the derby field, where Diego Perez Bilbao (ESP) made a victorious return aboard CMD Scarlet, owned by Carolina Drummond. The pair delivered two flawless rounds to win the 1.40m Bainbridge Companies Open Stake with a double-clear time of 38.468 seconds. Fellow Spaniard Juan Manuel Gallego and Primavera Van De Kaerde, owned by Loero Horse Sales LLC, earned second in 39.505 seconds, while Lauren Hough (USA) guided Clarisall Junior to third, finishing just fractions of a second behind in 39.518 seconds.
Friday’s $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby, presented by Pilates Rocks, saw Jennifer Bliss (USA) sweep the top two placings. She earned the victory on Fair N’Square, owned by Kimberly Narlinger, with a score of 169, and took second aboard GFS Mikado, owned by Sergent Stables LLC, scoring 167. Madison Wahler and her own Phanomen V rounded out the podium.
The competitive spirit continued in the 1.35m Greenberg Traurig Open Stake, where riders delivered quick and technical rounds. Abigail McArdle (USA) and Lisbeth TR, owned by Sweetwater Jumpers LLC, set the pace to take the win in 32.375 seconds. Alberto Michan (ISR) followed with Jack, owned by Kayla Savard, finishing just behind in 35.299 seconds. Rounding out the top three was Diego Vivero (ECU) aboard Spatzl 3, owned by Joyce Green, who crossed the timers in 35.094 seconds with four faults.
Concluding the hunter highlights for the weekend, the $1,000 2’6”/2’9” Hunter Derby, presented by Flagler Insurance, saw Audrey Robison (USA) take the win aboard FRF Wave On Wave, owned by Amy Smith, with scores of 87 and 86 for a total of 173. Jennifer Prior (USA) and Le Chat Noir, owned by Catomine Farm, claimed second on a total of 170 after earning consistent scores of 85 in both rounds, while Olivia Johnson secured third with a final score of 163.
Sunday brought the spotlight to the $10,000 Keyflow USA Grand Prix, the feature event that capped off ESP Fall II in exciting fashion. Course designer Andy Christiansen (ECU) built a technical and flowing track featuring 12 obstacles and 15 efforts that tested adjustability and precision. Riders who advanced to the jump-off faced a tight 47-second time allowed, ensuring a thrilling finish as the fastest combinations battled for top honors on the derby field.
As the class unfolded, quick turns and tight rollback options kept the competition fierce. Clear rounds were few, adding pressure as each new contender entered the ring. Third from last to go, Diego Vivero (ECU) and My Girl, owned by Rocco Stables, delivered a seamless double-clear round that stopped the clock at 43.49 seconds, proving just fast enough to hold the lead through the final rides.
The fall season at Wellington International keeps rolling with ESP Fall III, wrapping up the series’ time on the derby field before returning to the main showgrounds for the ESP Fall Finale. Don’t miss the Annual Halloween Costume Contest on Saturday, November 1, in Ring 6 after competition concludes - it’s sure to be a fun and festive day for all!
