More than 20 horses made Jim Brandon Equestrian Center the apex of their trajectories this Wednesday, with some top international riders competing in the second $5,000 1.30M Rising Star Classic of 2020. With more than 12 first round clears and 7 double clears over a course designed by Ecuador’s Jaime Morillo, Christian Coyle and Dolman ascended to the top of the roster, beating out a number of top competitors. Turf Tour Week 2 continues on Friday with all levels of jumping and the highlight $15,000 1.40M Turf Tour Grand Prix!
Wednesday’s jump-off was a tight race, with all three of the top riders within a second of each other. Coyle and Abigail Wald’s Dolman finished their jump-off in 38.225 seconds, edging out Daniel Bluman and Hyperion Z, who finished in 38.340 seconds. Third went to Jenni’s Chance and Matthew Sassmannshausen, finishing in 38.854 seconds. The Bluman family of riders and talented students made an impressive showing in the 1.30M, with the second, third, fourth, and fifth finishing horse and rider pairs coming from their barn.
The Turf Tour’s 1.20-1.25M, 1.30M Rising Star Classic, and Grand Prix competitors are in the running for the 2020 Turf Tour Leading Rider honors, which includes the prize of a tricked out golf cart provided by Iron Horse Transit. In addition to generous prize money and equally impressive prizes, the Turf Tour’s first priority is horse and rider. The oversized warm ups, ample parking, and full amenities at Jim Brandon Equestrian Center are the perfect compliment to the series’ dedication to convenience, exceptional footing, and complimentary breakfast, lunch, and snacks. Envisioned as a midpoint between advanced competition and schooling shows, the Turf Tour is meant to serve as a foundational building block for riders, horses, and coaches to show in laid back, beautiful venues and in a variety of classes.
More shots from Wednesday’s competition!
The 2020 Wellington Turf Tour features 12-weeks of hunter, jumper, and equitation competition at all heights and prize money classes including weekly $15,000 1.40-1.45M Grand Prix and $5,000 1.30M Rising Star Classics, all held at beautiful venues around Wellington. This year’s destinations include The Ridge’s home farm, Black Watch Farm, To-Kalon Farm, and Jim Brandon Equestrian Center.
USEF Equitation Tuesday runs each Tuesday afternoon at The Ridge’s home farm (14415 Palm Beach Point Blvd) featuring pony equitation, adult equitation, junior equitation, and Medal Maclay. New this year for the Equitation Tuesdays, unrecognized hunter divisions and Marshall & Sterling Classics!
The Turf Tour and its hunter/jumper/equitation events are a unique addition to Wellington’s winter circuit, offering riders top-tier competition, generous prize money, and an unparalleled atmosphere. Young horses and advancing riders are able to test their mettle in classes ranging from junior and amateur jumpers to the Grand Prix, and at a variety of venues reminiscent of the large European tours. Organized by US Olympic show jumper Nona Garson and George D’Ambrosio, the vision that inspired the tour’s conception was to stage competitions on turf and natural surfaces away from the intensity of other show grounds.
Major reporting contributions for this article were received from the The Ridge Showjumping in Wellington FL. and Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC. Please visit The Ridge Show Jumping at TheRidgeShowJumping.com or call (561)791-1471 , or email info@ridgeshowjumping.com. Please visit Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC. at www.equinium.com or email holly@equinium.com. All photos are property of Romeo Ghete and Equinium/The Ridge at Wellington
