ESP Fall I took place this past week at Wellington International, marking another installment of the Fall Series. Riders made use of Thursday’s schooling sessions before competition ran from Friday through Sunday.
With rain in the forecast, organizers shifted the schedule from the Derby Field to the VanKampen Covered Arena, allowing the show to continue safely and on time while keeping the week’s competition running smoothly.
The 1.40m Open Stake, sponsored by Bainbridge Companies, headlined Friday’s competition in the VanKampen Covered Arena and brought out a strong group of contenders. Wilton Porter (USA) and Cavendish, owned by Sleepy P Ranch BV, set the standard with a fast and fault-free jump-off time of 36.63 seconds to claim the win. Finishing close behind, Selcuk Koksalan (TUR) and Flying Echo, owned by Leyla Stables LLC, secured second on a double-clear time of 38.746 seconds. German Camargo (COL) and Ophelia, owned by Laurie Vanwynsberghe, completed the podium in third with a double-clear round in 38.899 seconds.
The $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby, presented by Pilates Rocks, brought a touch of classic hunter style to GDF Hunter Ring 2 on Friday. Rising to the top of the leaderboard was Marcus Au (USA) with Storm Cat, owned by Catomine Farm. The pair impressed the judges with their rhythm and polish, earning matching scores of 87 in both rounds for a winning total of 174. In second place, Amy Foster (USA) and Cor De Casall, owned by Aubrey Irvine, produced two elegant rounds for scores of 82 and 82, finishing on 164. Rounding out the top three, Jennifer Bliss (USA) guided GFS Mikado, owned by Sergent Stables LLC, to third with a total of 162 after earning marks of 79 and 83.
Following the conclusion of the class, Katherine Newman (USA) was presented with the 2025 Parlanti USHJA National Hunter Derby Overall Summer Series Award alongside her promising young mare, Everknown. Reflecting on the honor, Newman shared, “It was really just about giving my mare, Everknown, who’s still very young and green, some experience. But it turned out to be way better than that, which was quite fun. It’s such a nice opportunity to get out on the grass in a different venue, and winning the title made it even more special.”
Saturday’s 1.35m Open Stake, sponsored by VitaFlex, unfolded as a test of accuracy and composure. With a smooth and efficient ride, Alberto Michan (ISR) guided Jack, owned by Kayla Savard, to the only double-clear of the class, securing the top spot in 43.418 seconds. The next best effort came from Andressa Quadros (COL) and her mount Starsky, who finished with four faults in the jump-off in 46.549 seconds to take second. Completing the leaderboard, Laura Rubinate (USA) and Judika KM earned third after a consistent showing throughout both phases.
A test of balance between speed and strategy, the $10,000 CCTV Agent Grand Prix challenged riders over a course crafted by Hector J. Loyola (PUR). The 12-jump first round carried an 86-second time allowed, pushing competitors to stay efficient while maintaining rhythm. Those who qualified for the jump-off returned to an eight-obstacle track with just 44 seconds to spare, where every stride counted toward the final result.
Tension built throughout the $10,000 CCTV Agent Grand Prix as riders chased the lead time set early in the class. Juan Manuel Gallego (ESP) and his own Solaguayre Quanta went third in the order and posted a fault-free round in 36.349 seconds, holding the top position for most of the class. German Camargo (COL) and Ophelia, owned by Laurie Vanwynsberghe, delivered a strong double-clear effort in 37.68 seconds to take third place.
In the end, it was Wilton Porter (USA) and Lupina Colada, owned by Sleepy P Ranch BV, who took over the leaderboard. The pair stopped the clock in 35.53 seconds to capture first place, continuing their winning streak after securing the IDA Development Grand Prix title the week before.
Next up on the calendar is ESP Fall II at Wellington International, as the series continues on the Derby Field for two more weeks before shifting to the main property. Riders and spectators alike can also look forward to the Annual Halloween Costume Contest on Saturday, November 1st - a crowd favorite that adds some seasonal fun to the competition schedule.
