After Thursdays Tropical Storm warnings expired, the 2024 Rita and Irish Flynn Memorial modified competition schedule got underway late Friday morning in the Van Kampen Covered Arena with the 1.40m Open Jumper Stake, sponsored by Bainbridge Companies. Competitors faced a demanding course crafted by Hector Loyola (PUR), with six advancing to the jump-off. Alannah Wagstaff (USA) emerged victorious with a swift, faultless round aboard Great Thing, owned by Mill Pond Farm Inc., clocking in at 35.846 seconds. Tanimara Maria Macari Carrillo (MEX) claimed second, delivering a clear round in 37.644 seconds on her own, Febvre De Lusse. Lawson Whitaker (USA) secured third place aboard her won, Congulo PS, with a clear round time of 39.135 seconds.
Saturday saw the CCTV Agent 1.35m Open Jumper Stake held in the Van Kampen Covered Arena. Kayla Savard (USA) secured the win with a double-clear round aboard her own, Jack, in 47.953 seconds. Lawson Whitaker (USA) took second with a four-fault time of 43.294 seconds riding her own entry, Cornet’s Liliane, while Isabella Harding (USA) finished third on Conta Blue, with a four-fault time of 44.628 seconds.
The day's highlight in the GDF Hunter Ring 2 was the $1,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby (Hunt & Go), sponsored by Parlanti. Keri Kampsen (USA) and Check Please, co-owned by Keri Kampsen and Lexy Reed, delivered a standout performance to claim first with a combined score of 181. Ashley Briggs (USA) rode her own, Reddington,, to second place with a score of 170, while Gillian Galvin rounded out the top three aboard Easy B, owned by Gabriella Rivera, with a score of 150.
The 2024 Rita & Irish Flynn Memorial concluded on Sunday with the $5,000 Pilates Rocks Grand Prix, where Luis Pedro Biraben (ARG) claimed victory riding Baileys Van De Broy Z after an exciting jump-off. Gallego and Baileys Van De Broy Z, owned by La Cuasra Stables LLC, secured first place with a time of 41.327 seconds.
Lawson Whitaker (USA) finished just behind in second place with a time of 49.896 seconds aboard her own, Cornet’s Liliane. Alannah Wagstaff wrapped up the podium, taking third on Great Thing, owned by Mill Pond Farm Inc., with a time of 38.347 seconds.
The Rita and Irish Flynn Memorial Trophy, a distinguished honor in the equestrian world, celebrates more than just skill—it recognizes the values of sportsmanship, punctuality, and readiness. This year, the award was proudly presented to John Colon of Spectrum Show Stables, whose dedication to these principles stood out. Colon consistently exemplified the traits that Rita herself embodied, ensuring his clients arrived at the ring on time and impeccably prepared. His professionalism and commitment to maintaining the smooth flow of the competition set a high standard for all. This award is a testament to Barros’s dedication and the excellence he brings to Spectrum Show Stables.
As the excitement from the ESP Rita & Irish Memorial weekend begins to fade, equestrian fans won’t have to wait long for their next thrill. The ESP October horse show is just around the corner, set to deliver more captivating performances and pulse-pounding action. The event begins with schooling sessions, and the spotlight will shift to the hunters starting Thursday, October 3rd. For upcoming prize lists and schedules, please click HERE.
ESP Rita and Irish Flynn Memorial Photo Gallery
