The ESP Fall Finale marked a successful return to the main showgrounds at Wellington International, kicking off a new chapter of fall competition with impressive turnout and top performances. Riders and spectators alike enjoyed the refreshed venue and upgraded footing, setting a strong tone for the weeks ahead. Excitement is already building for the CSI3* competition just around the corner.
Schooling on Thursday set the tone for a smooth and successful week of competition at Wellington International. The main event on Friday morning, held just before the derby in the afternoon, was the $10,000 1.40m Open Stake sponsored by Bainbridge Companies. Eighth in the order and ultimately securing the win was USA’s Ansgar Holtgers Jr. aboard Lemmie V/D Bisschop, owned by Gut Einhaus LLC, with a double-clear time of 38.607 seconds. Finishing close behind in second was Panama’s Victoria Heurematte with her own Scarlett Du Sart Z, also double-clear in 39.012 seconds, while Alannah Wagstaff (USA) and Great Thing, owned by Mill Pond Farm Inc., rounded out the top three with a time of 39.848 seconds.
The competition continued with the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby, presented by Pilates Rocks. First to return in the order and setting a high standard for the rest of the class was Marcus Au (USA) aboard Latoya, owned by The Ridge Farm LLC, earning top honors with scores of 86 and 87 for a combined total of 173. Courtney Watters (USA) followed close behind in second with KT Odieu, owned by Equilux LLC, receiving scores of 84 and 88. Rounding out the top three was Brianna Davis (USA) and Kublai Khan, owned by Kathy Beabout, who impressed the judges with rounds scoring 80 and 84 for a total of 164.
Saturday’s schedule kicked off with high-speed competition in the $5,000 1.35m Open Stake, sponsored by ProElite. Last to enter the ring, Juan Jose Bancalari Elmudesi (DOM) and Fraxinus Des Coeuries, owned by himself, clinched the win with an expertly ridden double-clear time of 34.683 seconds. Spain’s Gonzalo Busca Roca and Quicksilver C, owned by Stransky Mission Farm & Kalany Stables LLC, claimed second in 35.108 seconds, while Lebanon’s Jad Dana and Donald Stewart’s C’est Jens secured third with a clean effort in 36.403 seconds.
Rounding out the weekend’s hunter highlights, Saturday’s $1,000 2’6”/2’9” Hunter Derby, presented by Flagler Insurance, showcased emerging talent and graceful performances. Taking the top spot was Audrey Haywood (USA) aboard her own Game Day, earning scores of 83 and 85 for a total of 168. Close behind, Alyce Rosenberg (USA) and Kravitz E, owned by Sophie Rodenberg, earned second with scores of 72 and 79, while Emma Ensor (USA) and Grey Goose TM, owned by Anna Ensor, completed the top three on a combined 150.
Excitement reached its peak on Sunday afternoon with the $24,999 Score At The Top Grand Prix, which served as the highlight event of the week at Wellington International. Course designer Andy Christiansen built a thoughtfully technical track featuring 13 obstacles and 16 total efforts, designed to test riders’ precision, rhythm, and control. The course demanded careful planning, as competitors had to navigate tight turns, related distances, and combinations that rewarded balance and quick thinking. Those who advanced to the jump-off faced a shortened eight-fence track with a brisk 46-second time allowed, guaranteeing a fast-paced and thrilling finish for both riders and spectators.
Lebanon’s Jad Dana rose to the challenge, delivering an exceptional performance aboard his string of talented mounts. All three of Dana’s horses advanced to the jump-off, a rare and impressive feat but it was Leonidas, owned by Burr Associates, Inc., who secured the spotlight. The pair delivered a flawless double-clear effort, stopping the clock in 33.65 seconds to capture the victory. Dana’s precision and consistency throughout the class highlighted his ability to perform under pressure and his growing prominence among international competitors.
Spain’s Diego Perez Bilbao continued his strong form aboard CMD Scarlet, owned by Carolina Drummond, finishing just behind Dana with a double-clear time of 35.132 seconds to claim second place. Germany’s Tony Stormanns rounded out the podium aboard Surprise, owned by HS Sportpferde GMBH, posting another double-clear in 35.559 seconds after advancing only one of his two mounts to the second round. With tight competition across the board and international representation on the leaderboard, the class proved to be a showcase of talent, precision, and speed—an exciting conclusion to a successful week of show jumping.
The Annual Halloween Costume Contest was a huge success, drawing the largest crowd we’ve seen to date. Riders, horses, and spectators brought incredible creativity and spirit to the showgrounds, making it one of the most memorable events of the season. We’re so grateful to everyone who joined in on the fun and helped make the day such a standout. We can’t wait to see everyone’s costumes again next year!
Join us next week for ESP November, where competition will continue! Riders can take advantage of Schooling Under the Lights on Friday, November 7, to prepare for the week ahead. The 1.30m–1.35m section will run from 6:00 to 6:45 p.m., followed by 1.35m–1.40m from 6:45 to 7:30 p.m. A perfect opportunity to train in a show-ring atmosphere under the lights!
