Argentina’s Tomas Yofre opened the 2024 ESP Spring Series, presented by Florida Coast Equipment, at Wellington International with a win in the $35,000 Spring 1 A-T Charity Grand Prix, presented by Postage Stamp Farm, riding Cardora, owned by Stellium Sport Horses, in the International Arena on Sunday afternoon.
The ESP Spring Series at Wellington International commenced on a philanthropic note with opening week benefitting the A-T Children’s Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding research towards and supporting children with Ataxia-Telangiectasia, a fatal genetic disease.
Ana Catalina “Catsy” Cruz (MEX) built a challenging track for 42 horses, and welcomed only four back for a tie-breaking jump-off. One of only two double-clear efforts on the day, Yofre and Cardora, a 14-year-old Holsteiner mare (Caretino 2 x Clearway), stopped the clock at 40.558 seconds for the win. He eclipsed Charlotte Babbitt (USA) with time to spare after she crossed the timers in 45.624 seconds aboard her own Vivianne Blue PS to finish second.
“The course was very technical,” said Yofre, 33, of Cruz’s course. “My horse was jumping amazing, so I was lucky to have him performing like that here. She has a huge stride, so I know in the jump-off I can go and find the long strides usually in one or two less.”
Yofre has had the ride on Cardora for three years and piloted the mare up to the five-star level. “She's my main horse so far and she has done a lot for me; she jumped five-star Nations Cups, but I didn't do much this winter with her so she is fresh and ready at this level and will be stepping back up during the summer.
“The Spring Series is amazing for people who don't show that much during WEF,” continued Yofre. “It’s really valuable to keep building the horses up, or introduce new ones to the big ring.”
Pulling two rails in the jump-off, Todd Minikus (USA) was just off the winning time as well in 40.564 seconds to round out the podium on his own Cardozo 4.
Earlier in the day on Sunday, Jesse Smith of Middleburg, VA, topped the Eques Solutions 1.30m Junior/Amateur Jumper Classic, and Emma Blumenkrantz of Colts Neck, NJ, won the BrainJuice 1.40m Junior/Amateur Jumper Classic. Also highlighting jumper action throughout the weekend, Carly Anthony (USA) and Carruso PJ, owned by Holman Imports, won the Bainbridge Companies/Kent Farrington, Inc. 1.40m and Ireland’s Christian Coyle topped the Rock Ridge Farms 1.45m with Extravaganza Semilly for owner Alexis Bodo.
For the full results of the Spring I A-T Children’s Project Charity Show, please click HERE.
Jennifer Bliss and Sugarman Highlight Hunter Action in $10,000 USHJA National Derby, Presented by Score At The Top
The $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, presented by Score At The Top, welcomed hunters to shine in a “hunt & go” format on Friday during opening week of the 2024 ESP Spring Series, presented by Florida Coast Equipment, at Wellington International. Jennifer Bliss of Rehoboth, MA, combined scores of 85.5 and 86.25 for a final of 171.75 to take the win on Harris Hill Farm’s Sugarman.
Bliss showcased Sugarman, a 17-year-old gelding, over courses designed by Thomas Carlson and impressed judges Susan Tuccinardi and Mark Jungherr.
The podium was a who’s who of top hunter competition with Jacob Pope of Columbia, MD, finishing second on 171.5 riding Bluprint for owner Jacquelyn Ventorino. Loxahatchee’s own Victoria Colvin rounded out the podium on J T Farm’s Gothic with a score of 171.
Derby action continued with the $1,500 USHJA Pony Hunter Derby welcoming Kenzie Smith of Shoreham, NY, to the winner’s circle aboard Valentijn, owned by Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright. Their combined score of 84 and 85.5 led the class on a total of 169.5. Ella Endzweig of Palm Beach, FL, went one-two to round out the podium. She finished second on a score of 169 riding Snow Pea for owner Twin Island, LLC, and third aboard Secret Crush, owned by Jill Shulman, with a final score of 165.
For a complete list of hunter champions at the Spring I A-T Children’s Project Charity Show, please click HERE.
Competition continues at Wellington International during Spring Series II April 10-14 as hunters take up the spotlight in the International Arena and international jumpers return to the grass derby field at Equestrian Village for a week of three-star action.
