Another exciting week of the Spring Series is officially in the books! Circuit award standings will be updated this evening in preparation to award our 2025 Spring Circuit Awards Champions next week. Week 5 concluded on a high note with the highlight class of the weekend, the $24,999 Palm Beach Equine Clinic Grand Prix, where Juan Jose Bancalari Elmudesi (DOM) delivered a standout performance aboard Cascais HC. As the final pair to take on the Hector Loyola (PRI) designed jump-off, Bancalari kept his composure and expertly piloted his mount to a fault-free finish, clinching the victory and wrapping up the week in style.
Reflecting on his round, Bancalari shared, "Going last in the jump-off, I saw there was a chance to take out a stride after the combination. It had to be really quick—one to two —then adjust to seven, and then quick to vertical number five, and be quick through the combination. After that, I planned to leave one out to the oxer and just gallop out. I had good footspeed with her, so I felt I could take a few chances, and it worked out well."
Finishing just fractions of a second behind the winning time, Bruno Diniz Das Neves (POR) and Gucci Musterd, owned by Laura Khorshid, secured the second-place spot with a time of 38.502 seconds. Close behind in third was seasoned Derby Field competitor Gabriel De Matos Machado (BRA), who delivered a smooth and speedy round aboard Lezaro, owned by Olympic gold medalist McLain Ward, crossing the timers in 38.606 seconds. With razor-thin margins separating the top contenders, the class delivered a thrilling conclusion to an action-packed week of show jumping.
$5,000 1.35m Open Stake, sponsored by Dever Golf Carts
Jumper competition got underway in exciting fashion Thursday morning with the $5,000 1.35m Open Stake, sponsored by Dever Golf Carts. Leading the pack was USA’s Abigail McArdle aboard Olympia Van Het Eikenhof, owned by Sweetwater Jumpers LLC, who delivered a blazing clear round in 39.479 seconds to take the win. Finishing just behind her to claim second was fellow American Andrew Welles and his own Dorchester, stopping the clock at 41.232 seconds. Rounding out the podium in third was Faith Schuttemeyer (USA) with Volo’s Diamond, who crossed the timers in 41.361 seconds. The class marked a competitive start to the week with tight times and strong performances across the board.
$10,000 1.40m Open Stake, sponsored by Bainbridge Companies
Lebanon’s Jad Dana claimed a confident win in the $10,000 1.40m Open Stake, sponsored by Bainbridge Companies, finishing nearly three seconds ahead of the field. Riding Fleur-De-Lis’ Cherie, Dana crossed the timers in 39.397 seconds to take the top spot. Close behind in second was Venezuela’s Luis Fernando Larrazabal aboard Tashita, owned by Anna Makovska/Perigo A.S., with a time of 42.020 seconds. Kyla Makhloghi (USA) and Jardin, owned by Twin Island LLC, rounded out the top three with a clear round in 42.451 seconds.
$2,700 USHJA National Hunter Derby, sponsored by TRM
A breezy Friday afternoon brought a competitive field of riders to the Derby Annex for the $2,700 USHJA National Hunter Derby, sponsored by TRM. The class featured polished performances, elegant trips, and showcased true hunter style from start to finish. Rising to the top was Jenna George (USA) and her own Chaperone, who impressed the judges with flowing rounds and an overall score of 178 to earn the blue ribbon. Cheyenne Sickle (USA) and Amaretto Liniere, owned by Khazar Investments LLC, claimed second place honors with a solid 162. Rounding out the top three was Debra Ward (USA) aboard Tavish, owned by Cinthia Ane-McGreevy, who earned a score of 160.
$1,000 2’6”/2’9” Hunter Derby, sponsored by Valley Vet Supply
Erika Sergent (USA) was the final rider to step into the ring and made her round count in the $1,000 2'6"/2'9" Hunter Derby, sponsored by Valley Vet Supply. Aboard Diara Blue, owned by Sergent Stables LLC, she delivered a polished and expressive trip, earning scores of 84 and 83 for a winning total of 167. Just one point behind was Victoria Aleong (USA), who claimed second place with a combined score of 166 aboard Major Union. Rounding out the top three was Star Collier (USA) and her own Macallan, finishing with a strong score of 163.
Competition continues next week on the Derby Field with Spring 5, marking the final week of the 2025 ESP Spring Series. Riders and horses will look to finish the spring season on a high note before a brief break. The GDF Facility will host the SFHJA May Show on May 16-18 following by a week off May 19-25. Action will return to GDF and the Derby Field with ESP June I and ESP June II, kicking off the summer calendar. These upcoming shows will feature a full schedule of hunter, jumper, and equitation classes, offering opportunities for all levels of competition and continuing the momentum built throughout the spring. Spectators and exhibitors alike can look forward to more top sport, beautiful weather, and a vibrant atmosphere at Equestrian Village.
For complete results from the $24,999 Palm Beach Equine Clinic Grand Prix, click HERE.
View the prize list and schedules for the 2025 ESP Annual Spring Series Circuit HERE.
View the prize list and schedules for the 2025 ESP Annual Summer Series Circuit HERE.
