The 2024 ESP Holiday & Horses Series, presented by ArthramidVet, commenced on Friday with the ESP Year End Awards. Starting the week on a high note, the $10,000 Bainbridge Companies Open Stake, crafted by course designer Anthony D’Ambrosio, brought together 26 horse-and-rider combinations to compete for the top share of the prize money.
Alannah Wagstaff (USA) and Great Thing, owned by Mill Pond Farm, Inc., delivered a double-clear performance to secure the win with an impressive jump-off time of 38.212 seconds. Max Routledge (GBR) and his own, Crystal King, claimed second place with a double-clear time of 38.59 seconds. Rounding out the podium, Michael Desiderio (USA) guided Le Muguet, owned by Tranquility Farm & Back Country Farm, to a double-clear finish in 39.11 seconds.
$1,000 2’6”/2’9” Hunter Derby, Sponsored by Score at the Top
Shifting focus to the hunter ring, the $1,000 2'6"/2'9" Hunter Derby, sponsored by Score at the Top and designed by Thomas Carlson, was held in the combined Rings 7 and 8. Jennifer Bliss (USA) claimed victory aboard Callaway, owned by Robert Anthony. As the first rider in the order, Bliss set the standard with impressive scores of 87 and 90, earning a total of 177 to secure the top spot. Cece Henes (USA) took second place with DMK Equestrian LLC's Curill, posting scores of 85 and 88 for a combined 173. Rounding out the podium, Celia Sutherland (USA) piloted her own Tilloo to third place with scores of 76 and 86.5, totaling 162.5.
$25,000 Palm Beach County Sports Commission Grand Prix
The ESP Year End Awards week at Wellington International concluded with Gonzalo Busca Roca (ESP) claiming victory in the $25,000 Palm Beach County Sports Commission Grand Prix aboard his talented gelding, Cristiano Obolensky.
Reflecting on his 9-year-old partner, Roca shared, “I’ve ridden him since he was seven. He’s always been really talented—brave, scopey, and super careful.” He added, “He’s a lion. He’s ready every time to fight and give 100%.”
The grand prix featured 32 entries, with only five advancing to the jump-off. Roca and Cristiano Obolensky clinched the win with a lightning-fast time of 43.147 seconds, narrowly edging out Alannah Wagstaff (USA) and Great Thing, who finished in 43.169 seconds. Rebecca Conway rounded out the top three, piloting Con Coleur, owned by Blue Hill Farm, LLC, to a speedy time of 44.237 seconds.
Looking Ahead: ESP Holiday I Equitation & ESP Holiday II
The excitement continues at Wellington International with the ESP Holiday I Equitation and ESP Holiday II Show, taking place December 11–15, 2024. Riders of all levels will compete across a variety of classes, showcasing equitation skill and hunter-jumper precision in a festive, competitive atmosphere.
