Simon McCarthy (IRL) and Narcotique v/h Dingenshof sealed the deal in the $32,000 ArthramidVet CSI3* Grand Prix Qualifier on Friday during the ESP Pre-Charity week at Florida’s Wellington International.
The stage was set for a competitive race to the finish with 16 horses moving forward to the tie-breaking jump-off designed by Hector Loyola (PUR). With blistering footspeed and efficient turns, McCarthy and Narcotique v/h Dingenshof—an 11-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare (Harley x Chacco-Blue)—set an unbeatable standard of 36.57 seconds over the short track.
The closest challenger was Colombia’s Roberto Teran Tafur, who finished second by almost two full seconds in 38.25. He piloted Iron Maiden for owner Rocking Basilisk Farm.
“I've had the last fence down in jump-offs a few times lately, so I didn't make a crazy solid plan this time,” admitted McCarthy. “I wanted to be smooth, and I knew she was going to be quick. I trusted she was going to be careful, but I made myself stay patient and do eight strides to the last. I was proud of myself for that.”
Narcotique v/h Dingenshof, owned by Ilan Ferder, is relatively new to McCarthy after joining his string in June to jump a summer tour in Europe. “I was lucky enough to keep the ride on her for now and she's just been going from strength to strength. I really like her.
“I can normally do one more stride than most and it doesn't make me much slower,” continued McCarthy, 29, of his mare’s quickness. “Even though I take a lot of risk, if I need to be cautious somewhere, I can with her and still be fast enough. She's a real fighter in the ring and she loves to do her job.”
Looking ahead, McCarthy will aim Narcotique at Sunday’s grand prix before focusing the mare, along with his second top mount Gotcha, at the Hermès 1.50m Series during the 2025 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF).
Rounding out the podium placings, Abigail McArdle (USA) took third in 38.29 seconds riding Olympia van het Eikenhof, owned by Sweetwater Jumpers.
Also in the International Ring on Friday, Ecuador’s Diego Javier Vivero Viteri went one-two in the $10,000 Bainbridge Companies 1.40m Stake. He rode Daddy’s Destiny to the win and finished second aboard Only You Z, both owned by Nicole Velazco Magana.
Proud To Be VH On Top in Pilates Rocks USHJA National Hunter Derby
The E.R. Mische Grand Hunter Stadium welcomed derby horses back to the spotlight on Friday with the Pilates Rocks USHJA National Hunter Derby taking center stage. Wellington’s own Kim Barone piloted Proud To Be VH to win the hunt & go competition to set the stage for a winter season full of hunter derby offerings.
The hunt & go format consolidated two rounds into one—with both a classic and a handy element over courses designed by Danny Moore. Scores from judges Jenny Fischer and Tyler Smith were combined for a final deciding tally.
Barone and her 9-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding by Vigo d’Arsouilles posted a final score of 175 to pocket the win for owner Sheryl Scolnick.
“This horse is super cool—I've had the pleasure of having him in my barn for a year now, but we’ve been on a break for the last four months, so this was our first class back and he exceeded my expectations,” said Barone of the horse that also competes in the low adult hunter ranks with his owner. “This has been a busy week for us trying to get back in the groove, but it's fun to be back at [Wellington International]."
Of the ever-growing hunter derby offerings at Wellington International, Barone noted, “They're so much fun because they are a challenge. I love that they have the baby derby, national derby and the international derby. It literally gives something for everyone, no matter what the level.”
Meredith Gallagher of Haines City, FL, went one-two behind Barone. She scored the runner-up ribbon on MTM Aztek with a score of 169 for owner Annette Friend, and took third on a 168 riding Czar du Mesnil, owned by Bobby Goodnough.
Competition during ESP Pre-Charity week continues Saturday with the $32,000 Palm Beach Equine Clinic CSI3* Speed in the International Ring and comes to a peak on Sunday in the $140,000 Flagler Insurance CSI3* Grand Prix. Hunter athletes also have another derby opportunity in the ArthramidVet 2’6”-2’9” Hunter Derby in the E.R. Mische Grand Hunter Stadium on Saturday.
To view complete results from Friday at ESP Pre-Charity, click HERE.
