As the holiday season begins, Wellington International is buzzing with excitement as the 2024 ESP Holiday & Horses Series, presented by ArthramidVet, was launched in style. The event kicked off on Thursday with the much-anticipated Holiday & Horses CSI4* international competition, featuring International Arena courses designed by the award-winning Anthony D’Ambrosio (USA).
$6,000 Bainbridge Companies CSI4* 1.40m Opener
The first event in the International Arena on Thursday set the stage for an exhilarating week. Thirty-seven horse-and-rider combinations took on the $6,000 Bainbridge Companies CSI4* 1.40m Holiday & Horses Opener. Wilton Porter (USA) and Sternmarke 3 claimed victory with a double-clear round and an impressive jump-off time of 35.04 seconds. Chloe Reid (USA) and Chelsea 179 secured second place, also double clear, with a close time of 35.31 seconds. Natalie Dean (USA) and Con Calma rounded out the top three with a double-clear performance and a time of 36.92 seconds.
$32,000 TRM CSI4* 1.45m
The excitement continued with the $32,000 TRM CSI4* 1.45m class, which saw 40 entries. Nayel Nassar (EGY) and Dorado de Riverland emerged victorious with a double-clear round and a jump-off time of 35.46 seconds. Ansgar Holtgers Jr. (USA) and Tulum secured second place with a time of 35.97 seconds, while Alex Granato (USA) and Cupcake claimed third with a time of 36.27 seconds.
When asked about his partnership with Dorado de Riverland, Nassar explained, “Dorado is kind of our speed specialist, so he specializes in these 1.45m & 1.50m’s that are against the clock or a two-phase.” Nassar continued, “He's had a bit of a quiet time, so we wanted to pull him out and make sure he kept just ticking along and sure enough, he wowed us with a nice win today.”
$65,000 BrainJuice CSI4* Grand Prix 1.50m Qualifier
Friday’s international competition featured the highly competitive $65,000 BrainJuice CSI4* Grand Prix 1.50m Qualifier. With 51 entries and eight advancing to the jump-off, the stakes were high. Daniel Bluman (ISR) and Hummer Z clinched first place with a flawless double-clear round and a jump-off time of 38.02 seconds. Nayel Nassar (EGY) and ESI Ali came in second with a time of 38.21 seconds, followed by Alessandra Volpi (USA) aboard Candy Luck Z in third.
“I started riding Hummer Z in April,” shared Daniel Bluman after his recent victory. “He was developed by one of my greatest idols, and in my opinion, one of the best that ever existed, Beezie Madden.”
Bluman expressed his admiration for the foundation laid by Madden and her program, which has made his transition with Hummer Z seamless. “Getting a horse that has been developed by such an incredible horseman and incredible program really makes things easier on my end. I also have a very good relationship with the Madden team, so I was able to get the complete information and package on how to work with the horse.”
Since their partnership began, Bluman and Hummer Z have achieved remarkable results. “It’s been about becoming a partnership. We’ve jumped a lot of clear rounds. He actually jumps clear rounds most of the time. We’ve had a lot of top tens, a few top-three podiums, and everything. But this is actually our first win, so it’s great. We’re very happy—the horse deserves to win—and yeah, I am really happy with the result today.”
Hunters Showcased in Two Standout Derbies
The hunters took center stage on Friday with two standout derbies: the $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby presented by 4Ever Young and the $15,000 Platinum Performance/USHJA International Hunter Derby Regional Championship sponsored by Bainbridge Companies.
$10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby Sponsored by 4Ever Young
- 1st Place: John French and Kornet’s Touch (Combined Score: 179)
- 2nd Place: Lainie Wimberly and Decorum (Combined Score: 177)
- 3rd Place: John French and Calvano (Combined Score: 173.5)
$15,000 Platinum Performance/USHJA International Hunter Derby Sponsored by Bainbridge Companies
- 1st Place: John French and Incognito (Combined Score: 370.5)
- 2nd Place: Jimmy Torano and Laskano (Combined Score: 367)
- 3rd Place: Victoria Colvin and Paradigm (Combined Score: 355)
Weekend International Competition Continues
FEI competition continues Saturday with the $32,000 Dover Saddlery CSI4* 1.50m Speed Class. Sunday will feature the marquee event: the $200,000 ArthramidVet CSI4* Grand Prix.
For complete results and updates from the Holiday & Horses CSI4* competition, click here and to rewatch the competition, visit here.
