Wellington, Florida, USA – March 7, 2019 – Eduardo Menezes (BRA) and H5 Quintol won the  $134,000 Equinimity WEF Challenge Cup Round 9 CSI 5* yesterday during the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) at the International Arena of the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC).

Only seven combinations out of the fifty-two that started the challenge were able to clear all the fences on a course designed by Alan Wade (IRL) and cross the finish line without having any penalties attributed to them, thus advancing to the jump-off.

Jessica Springsteen (USA) and Fleur de L’Aube had been the first one to do so in the first round and they got things started in the jump-off as well. The American and Stone Hill Farm’s 14-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare (Thunder van de Zuuthoeve x Alcatraz) duplicated their feat from the first round, stopping the timers in 37.159 seconds, which would eventually earn them bronze honors.

Kevin Babington (IRL) and Shorapur (Stakkato Gold x Drosselklang II) were the next ones and they took the lead from the young rider by completing the jump-off course in 37.106 seconds, a mark that would be lowered by only one other duo.

Eduardo Menezes (BRA) & H5 Quintol with ringmaster Steve Rector during the awards ceremony

Known for their speed and having won several grands prix together, Eduardo Menezes (BRA) and H5 Quintol (Quintender 2 x Cento) entered the ring as one of the favorites to claim the class. The Brazilian guided the 14-year-old grey Oldenburg gelding throughout the track, using the horse’s long stride to complete the performance in 36.667 seconds for the victory.

Final Results: $134,000 Equinimity WEF Challenge Cup Rd 9 CSI 5*

Place / Rider / Country & Horse (Sire x Dam Sire) – R1 Penalties / Jump-off Penalties – Time

1) Eduardo Menezes (BRA) & H5 Quintol (Quintender 2 x Cento) – 0 / 0 – 36.66

2) Kevin Babington (IRL) & Shorapur (Stakkato Gold x Drosselklang II) – 0 / 0 – 37.10

3) Jessica Springsteen (USA) & Fleur de L’Aube (Thunder van de Zuuthoev x Alcatraz) – 0 / 0 – 37.15

4) Enrique Gonzalez (MEX) & Chacna (Chacco-Blue x Narew XX) – 0 / 0 – 37.35

5) Tiffany Foster (CAN) & Brighton (Contendro II x Quick Star) – 0/0/37.89

6) Fernando Martinez Sommer (MEX) & Cor Bakker (Colandro x Quattro) – 0 / 4 – 40.31

7) Andrew Welles (USA) & Brindis Bogibo (Grand Pilot I x Pacific) – 0 / 4 – 41.85

8) Karen Polle (JPN) & Sari (Ninio de Rox x Timorrak des Isles) – 1 – 72.52

9) Georgina Bloomberg (USA) & Chameur 137 (Cayetano L x Grossadmiral) – 1 – 73.11

10) Andrew Kocher (USA) & Carollo (Chacco Blue x La Piko) – 1 – 73.53

11) Margie Engle (USA) & Royce (Café au Lait x Grandilot) – 1 – 73.90

12) Lillie Keenan (USA) & Skyhorse (Calvaro x Quidam de Revel) – 1 – 74.59

For full results, please click here.

Text: Lo-Ami Souza

Photos: © Sportfot