Turf Tour Week 2 at Jim Brandon Equestrian Center wrapped up Friday, where constant activity in both Ring 1 and Ring 2 gave proof of a diversity of levels competing. The day’s highlight event, the $15,000 1.40M Turf Tour Grand Prix saw 20 horses and riders race the timers over a course designed by Jaime Marillo of Ecuador. With great turn out the first few weeks, the Turf Tour is expecting a record number of riders and spectator attendance at week 3’s stunning venue Black Watch Farm.
An early ride from Israel’s Mark Bluman and Ferrari set the pace for the Grand Prix, and sat at the top of the leader board most of the day. Late in the class rides from Johan Kachelhoffer and Stella Manship, however, bumped the standings. Bluman and Ferrari’s early double clear with a jump off time of 37.580 ended up being one of only 3 double clears for the day. Stella Manship and Colorado put in an impressive effort to trail behind Bluman, jumping off in 38.329. But Johan Kachelhoffer and And Action, as the last ride in the day, had the final say in the Grand Prix: the pair jumped off in 35.329 seconds, taking the win.
Another addition to Week 2’s roster of top riders was Olympic Medalist Phillip Dutton. With double Olympic Gold Medals to his name, along with multiple World Championship and International titles, the eventing icon brought a number of young and just back to competition horses to the Turf Tour as a first show of 2020. “We bring the young horses and horses going back into training after a rest to the Turf Tour because it is a nice alternative for them,” said Dutton. “The show is more focused on the horses, and allows myself and my riders to create the best training experience for them. It’s less stress and a fantastic first time back.”
Dutton, along with other riders from the US Eventing Team, have been using the Turf Tour’s grass and sand arenas to tune up their horses since 2019.
More shots from Turf Tour Week 2!
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
