The first week of the ESP Fall Series ushered in ESP October, with riders taking to the showgrounds for schooling on Thursday before competition got underway Friday. The spotlight event of the day, the 1.40m Open Stake sponsored by Bainbridge Companies, drew a competitive field. Rising above the rest, Priscila Simpson (ECU) piloted VDL Mesut Ozil to the top spot on a swift double-clear round. Sweden’s Elin Uppling and Quinn Va followed with another fault-free effort for second, while Wilton Porter (USA) and Cavendish claimed third after incurring four faults.
The $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby, presented by Pilates Rocks, delivered a thrilling finish with only two points separating the top three competitors. Maggie Jacobs (USA) and Andrea Sandman’s Handmade impressed the judges with consistent scores of 85 and 88 to take the win on a total of 173.
Just behind, Marcus Au (USA) piloted Signature Farm’s H-Cassina to rounds of 90 and 82 for a 172 total, while Jennifer Bliss (USA) and Fair N’Square, owned by Kimberly Narlinger, claimed third with scores of 89 and 82 for a total of 171. The close spread highlighted the polish and style on display, hallmarks of the hunter derby format.
The 1.35m Open Stake, generously sponsored by Omega Alpha, highlighted a competitive international field. Rising to the occasion, Wim Janssen (NED) guided Mikitha, owned by Chilmark Farm, to victory with a smooth double-clear in 44.892 seconds. Second place was awarded to Ana Cristina Rodriguez of Guatemala aboard Ferdita, owned by Rodriguez Equestrian, who also delivered a clear effort in 50.544 seconds. Argentina’s Tomas Yofre and Stellium Sport Horses LLC’s Kingston rounded out the top three on a four-fault round in 47.000 seconds.
The $10,000 IDA Development Grand Prix was contested over a 12-effort track designed by course builder Jasen Shelley, who presented riders with a course that balanced technical questions with opportunities to take risks. The class drew an international field, and with four double-clear rounds recorded, the podium was ultimately separated by just over three seconds.
Wilton Porter (USA) entered the class with three mounts and found his winning partner in Lupina Colada, owned by Sleepy P Ranch BV. Their efficient track in the jump-off delivered both speed and precision, crossing the timers in 39.233 seconds. With tight turns and a forward rhythm throughout, the pair secured the fastest double-clear of the day to claim victory.
Second place went to Brazil’s Lucia Rivas aboard Okidoki Van De Renthoeve, owned by Bonne Chance Farm LLC. The pair produced a steady and confident double-clear effort, stopping the clock in 41.79 seconds. Just behind, Sweden’s Elin Uppling and her own Quinn Va rounded out the podium, also fault-free, with a time of 42.42 seconds. The slim margin between the top three riders highlighted how Shelley’s course rewarded both accuracy and pace, keeping the competition tight until the very last round.
The feature class was proudly presented by IDA Development, a leading force in South Florida’s real estate landscape. Specializing in luxury residential and commercial projects, IDA Development is known for its commitment to quality design, innovation, and community-focused growth. Much like the riders who competed in the Grand Prix, IDA Development strives for precision, vision, and excellence in every project they undertake. Their continued support of equestrian sport at Wellington International reflects a shared dedication to building and sustaining world-class experiences.
The countdown is on with just three weeks left of action on the Derby Field before riders return to the main showgrounds at Wellington International. ESP Fall I is up next, kicking off with Thursday schooling and three days of exciting competition starting Friday.
