Wellington, Florida, USA – January 9, 2020 – Marcello Ciavaglia’s (BRA) Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) debut got off to a strong start on Thursday, January 9, as the Brazilian rider earned a victory in the $35,000 Equinimity WEF Challenge Cup Round 1 at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC).

WEF continues through March 29, 2020, with 12 consecutive weeks of world-class competition and $13 million dollars on offer. The first week of competition at WEF is sponsored by Wellington Regional Medical Center and features the crowd favorite $75,000 Battle of the Sexes, presented by Wellington Regional Medical Center, during “Saturday Night Lights” on January 11 at 7 p.m. in the International Arena.

Marcello Ciavaglia (BRA) & Conto 

Ciavaglia and his longtime mount, Conto, were the very first of 44 entries to contest Thursday’s featured class. As the first of nine entries to qualify and return for the Eric Hasbrouck-designed short course, the pair would prove uncatchable. They posted a double-clear time of 35.069 seconds to secure them the win.

Kristen Vanderveen (USA) & Bull Run’s Almighty

Second place with a time of 35.838 seconds went to the Kristen Vanderveen (USA) and Bull Run’s Almighty (Caspar x Quidam de Revel), owned by Bull Run Jumpers Six LLC.

Jonathon Millar (CAN) & Valinski S

Rounding out the top three was Jonathon Millar who rode Valinski S, owned by Wyndmont, to a clear time of 36.006 seconds.

Ciavaglia is no newcomer to success with Conto; he’s been riding the 14-year-old Holsteiner stallion (Canto x C-Ingmar) since Conto was four. Ciavaglia is however a newcomer to not only WEF, but to the United States, as this year marks his very first visit.

Marcello Ciavaglia (BRA) & Conto during the awards ceremony

“The ground is super, super good, and the course rode very well; I like it. It’s so modern,” said Ciavaglia of Thursday’s track. “I like everything – the horses, the people. Here, everybody is so nice with smiles always. I love it.”

Ciavaglia made the trip to Wellington, FL, at the recommendation of Brazilian show jumping Chef d’Équipe Philippe Guerdat, with his sights set on making the Brazilian team for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

“Philippe Guerdat asked me to come to Wellington for the Nations Cup in February,” said Ciavaglia. “I have one month and a half to put Conto in order for the Nations Cup. I think he’s fine!”

For full results, please click here.

Source: Press release by Emily Randolph and Sabrina Brashares / Jennifer Wood Media, Inc. for ESP – Equestrian Sports Productions

Photos: © Sportfot