Lauren Murphy (USA) celebrated a well-earned victory on the Derby Field in Sunday’s $10,000 Palm Beach Equine Clinic Grand Prix, delivering the only double-clear performance aboard her own Qinaki Van Den Dael during the ESP Labor Day horse show. Tasked with navigating Hector Loyola’s (PUR) challenging two-round track, Murphy was among the 5 to advance to the jump-off, where she sealed the win with a faultless round in 49.025 seconds.
Murphy, the only rider to produce a double-clear round, remarked that Hector Loyola’s (PUR) jump-off course was a good fit for her long-strided mare, saying:
“I think it was a great jump off. It had a great triple combination and a great triple bar, delicate skinny. So I think it's a really great class to do to set up for something because you have a little bit of everything. My mare has a really big stride. Sometimes our turns can get a little wide. So I think out on the field, it suits her because I can just gallop to the next jump. She covers ground pretty well.”
Setting the pace early placed them in a strong position, though a competitive field of talented pairs followed in what became a demanding jump-off. At just nine years old, Qinaki Van Den Dael, affectionately known as "Kiki" in the barn, demonstrated she was more than ready to rise to the occasion.
“She actually just stepped up to the 1.50m this summer. She's just now climbing the ranks and she jumped her first three-star back in July. We're just really excited about her. That's what we love doing on the field here is just producing our younger ones so they're ready for the international sport come winter.”
Just behind Murphy, USA’s Todd Minikus piloted “Gardenia”, owned by Stephen Macken, to a strong finish. Their quick round stopped the clock at 48.094 seconds, earning them second place honors. Todd also rounded out the podium aboard “Nelson S”, owned by Sissy Wickes, in 52.299 seconds.
Saturday morning’s competition on the derby field kicked off with the $5,000 1.35m Open Stake, sponsored by Florida Coast Equipment. Jad Dana (LEB) and “C’Est Jens”, owned by Don Stewart, delivered a blazing clear round in 43.433 seconds to secure the win. Following close behind, USA’s Wilton Porter claimed second aboard his own “Larderello”, crossing the timers in 44.338 seconds. Rounding out the podium was Sweden’s Daniel Zetterman, who piloted “Carlsberg DFZ”, owned by DF Zetterman LLC, to a third-place finish in 45.209 seconds.
Jennifer Prior (USA) and her own “Le Chat Noir” topped the field in the $1,000 2'6"/2'9" Hunter Derby, presented by ProElite. With elegant rounds earning scores of 81 and 83 for a total of 164, the pair claimed the coveted blue ribbon. Just behind them was Jessica Tintweiss (USA), who delivered smooth trips aboard “Finest Hour”, scoring 79 and 80 for a total of 159 to take second place. Emily Rodgers (USA) rounded out the top three with a polished performance on Provence, owned by Jennifer Matts.
Returning to Wellington International’s derby field for the ESP Labor Day horse show, Cormac Hanley (IRE) and “For Dad”, owned by Heathman Farm LLC, took top honors in the $7,000 1.40m Open Stake, sponsored by Bainbridge Companies LLC. The duo posted the quickest time of the day, stopping the clock at 39.879 seconds. Finishing nearly four seconds behind, Lebanon’s Jad Dana and “Fleur-De-Lis’-Cherie”, owned by the Cherie Group, earned the runner-up position in 43.115 seconds. Rounding out the podium was USA’s Richard Neal aboard his own “Catemaco LS”, stopping the clock in 43.147 seconds.
The 2025 Summer Series continues with ESP September, running from September 11 to September 14. With a reminder our September shows typically generate higher participation, limited permanent stabling is available. Exhibitors are highly encouraged to secure stalls as soon as possible 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.
