Despite difficult weather, Wellington International’s 2024 Holiday Festival II CSI4* horse show, which took place from December 14 to 17, ended with a number of amazing performances. The $6,000 Bainbridge Companies Holiday Festival Opener kicked off the week on Thursday. First place was secured by Aaron Vale (USA) riding I.Adermie R 4 with a double clear round and a 29-second jump-off time. With double clears, Matt Williams (AUS) on Fayuri Awr and Ashley Vogel (USA) on Bellissimo Z took second and third position, respectively. The $50,000 CSI4* Grand Prix Qualifier, presented by Omega Alpha, was one of the events on Thursday. On Bull Run’s Hesed, Kristen Vanderveen (USA) triumphed, closely followed by Margie Engle (USA) on Dicas and Nayel Nassar (EGY) on Jiminy Cricket.
The $10,000 Bainbridge Companies 1.40 Stake and the $39,000 1.45m Speed Class, presented by Palm Beach Equine Clinic, were Friday’s highlights. In the 1.45m Speed Class, Tiffany Foster (CAN) aboard Brighton led, followed by Simon McCarthy (IRL) and Aaron Vale (USA). Fastday VDL’s 1.40m Stake was won by Christina Kelly (IRL), with Tina Yates (USA) and Alannah Wagstaff (USA) placing second and third, respectively.
Due to the windy and rainy weather on Saturday, the Grand Prix had to be rescheduled in order to protect the horses, riders, personnel, and spectators. Aaron Vale (USA) won the $226,000 BrainJuice Holiday II CSI4* Grand Prix, sponsored by BrainJava, which was constructed by Andy Christiansen. Oscar Lugo, Vale’s longtime groom, is in charge of Carissimo 25. The podium was completed by Tiffany Foster (CAN) on Electrique and Schuyler Riley (USA) on Robin De Ponthual.
Sunday was even more exciting, with sunshine breaking through early morning storms to create perfect conditions for the $39,000 Zen Elite Equestrian Center CSI4* 1.40m. Six pairs advanced to the jump-off, demonstrating the intense competitiveness, but only the top three were able to achieve double clears. Tiffany Foster (CAN) won first place with a jump-off timing of 35.44 seconds after putting on an incredible performance on Northern Light. With a time of 35.89 seconds, Simon McCarthy (IRL), carrying on from his impressive performance the day before, secured second place aboard Gotcha. Vanturo and Thaisa Erwin (AUS), with a respectable double clear and a jump-off time of 36.87 seconds, rounded out the top three.
The $25,000 Resilient Fitness National Grand Prix, the festival’s last event held in the International Arena, was just as exciting. The competition was fierce, with four contestants in the jump-off. Riding Fantasy BB, Jonathan McCrea (USA) won the race, stunning the spectators with a double clear and a jump-off timing of 36.725 seconds. With a time of 37.764 seconds, Filip De Wandel (BEL) on Manhattan Van’t Leeuwerikenhof took second place. Darragh Kerins (IRL) on Darius de Kerglenn finished third with a time of 38.146 seconds. These performances brought an appropriate end to an incredible week of show jumping, demonstrating the skill and perseverance that characterize Wellington International’s equestrian sports.
The competition showcased the elite level of show jumping worldwide and the resolute nature of both equines and riders, despite the severe weather.
Major reporting contributions for this article were received from Wellington International in Wellington FL. Please visit Wellington International at https://wellingtoninternational.com.
