Luis Fernando Larrazabal (VEN) continued the ESP Summer Series in excellent shape, after winning Saturday’s 1.35m Open Stake sponsored by Greenberg Traurig, Larrazabal saved the best for last, claiming an impressive one-two victory in Sunday’s $24,999 Nutrena Grand Prix.
As the first rider to take on Andy Christiansen’s (ECU) challenging jump-off track, Larrazabal set the standard aboard “Baroness”, owned by Leeann Ablin, stopping the clock at a blazing 36.12 seconds, nearly two seconds faster than the rest of the field, and maintained his lead through the next four contenders.
“I'm very happy with the way she performed. She felt very relaxed, very comfortable - I'm happy. I mean, I went first in the jump-off. Normally, when you go first, you do your plan, and hopefully, you're lucky enough to stay in top position. And today, I think it was my lucky day in that aspect.” says Larrazabal.
He also claimed the runner-up spot aboard "Ribery", owned by Sabrina Lefebvre, finishing in 38.87 seconds. Talking about the 8-year-old mount, Larrazabal states,
“Ribery, she's a special horse, I started riding her since she was six. She's only eight. So I think we're gonna keep a little bit at this level to get more experience, get more comfortable in this level, and then hopefully by the end of the year, we will jump in the international level.”
The class featured a competitive field of 20 rides, all tasked with navigating a challenging two-round track designed by Andy Christiansen (ECU). Following close behind, Lauren Hough (USA) and her own “Clarisall Junior” rounded out top three with a clear effort in 38.89 seconds.
Larrazabal’s commanding performance marked a memorable highlight of the ESP Summer Series, reinforcing his status as a top contender in Wellington’s competitive circuit. Reflecting on the weekend and looking ahead to the future, Larrazabal shared his excitement about the upcoming enhancements at Wellington International:
“I’m very excited for what they’re doing for WEF this coming year. I’m really looking forward to that. I love being here, I’ve been living here for fifteen years. The footing, the place, every time it’s getting better and better… This is paradise.”
$5,000 1.35m Open Stake sponsored by Greenberg Traurig
Luis Fernando Larrazabal (VEN) and “Ribery”, owned by Sabrina Lefebvre, returned for ESP Summer III to claim victory in the $5,000 1.35m Open Stake sponsored by Greenberg Traurig. The pair topped the jump-off with the fastest time of 37.938 seconds. Finishing in second place was Abigail McArdle (USA) aboard “Olympia Van Het Eikenhof”, owned by Sweetwater Jumpers LLC, stopping the clock in 36.344 seconds. Daniel Zetterman (SWE) and “Solaguayre Dimitri”, owned by Taylor Cowles, rounded out the podium with the fastest four-fault time out of 10 competitors.
$2,700 National Hunter Derby presented by Parlanti
Parlanti took the spotlight Friday afternoon as the presenting sponsor of the $2,700 National Hunter Derby. Claiming top honors was Cormac Hanley (IRE) aboard “Cruisilier”, owned by Chris and Thea Stinnett, with impressive scores of 82 and 86 for a combined total of 168. Maggie Jacobs (USA) and “Handmade” followed close behind, posting scores of 85 and 82 for a total of 167. Rounding out the top three was Hailey Holmberg (USA) riding her own “Lord Lui Junior” with a final score of 153.5.
$10,000 Bainbridge Companies 1.40m Open Stake
Friday morning featured the $10,000 Bainbridge Companies 1.40m Open Stake on the derby field, where Richard Neal (USA) and his own “Catemaco LS” claimed the top spot. The pair set a swift pace, finishing in 41.948 seconds. Luis Fernando Larrazabal (VEN) and “Baroness” secured second place with a time of 42.305 seconds, while United States’ Abigail Mc Ardle rounded out the top three aboard “Lisbeth TR”, owned by Sweetwater Jumpers LLC, with a time of 42.699 seconds.
Coming up next, ESP Labor Day takes place August 28–31, featuring a full slate of jumper, hunter, and equitation divisions. The competition is set to deliver an exciting and rewarding experience for all participants.
Riders, now is the time to get involved, sign up and join us for another week of great sport at Wellington International! Please note that permanent stabling is limited—exhibitors are encouraged to reserve stalls early by contacting stabling@wellingtoninternational.com. Spectators and exhibitors alike can look forward to more top sport, beautiful weather, and a vibrant atmosphere at Equestrian Village.
