Wellington, Florida, USA – January 19, 2020 – Andrew Welles (USA) topped the $37,000 CaptiveOne Advisors 1.45m Classic CSI 2* yesterday during the second week of the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington.

Welles rode Brindis Bogibo, a 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Grand Pilot I x Pacific), to best a field of 67 and close out the day in the International Arena at WEF.

Speed and strategy were in tall order as Welles guided his mount through a 13-horse jump-off to stop the timers at 36.58 seconds for owner Itasca Group LLC.

“This was my horse’s first week competing this year, and I wanted to make it a point to improve on jump-offs coming into the season,” said Welles. “My plan was to give it our best shot. He was really in tune with the course today and I give him a lot of credit, he felt great out there. Especially in the jump-off, he was fully engaged going from jumps two to three where I left out a stride and his focus continued throughout the rest of the course.

Andrew Welles (USA) & Brindis Bogibo in their winning presentation with Olga Hartsock and Vice President of Development Tim Luby of CaptiveOne Advisors, and ringmaster Steve Rector.

“He is actually a horse that has been in our lives for four and a half years,” continued Welles. “But he was recently sold and then, thanks to the Razbeck and Hogan families, we were able to buy him back for me to ride. It’s been really special to have him back in our lives.”

With a string of six mainly younger horses Welles feels having Brindis Bogibo as a top grand prix horse takes the pressure off the young horses and keeps the whole team relevant at the higher levels.

In regards to the newly improved footing, Welles congratulated the whole WEF team for making it happen and stepping up to the plate for the horse and riders. “The footing feels great, and the horses are jumping really well.”

Ireland’s Capt. Brian Cournane (IRL) finished the runner-up riding Penelope Cruz to a double-clear performance in 37.71 seconds. Tomas Yofre (ARG) took third aboard Dasino in 37.95 seconds for owner Peacock Ridge LLC, and Bliss Heers (USA) finishing fourth on Cayani SN in 38.04 seconds for owner Team Philippaerts. Schuyler Riley (USA) capped the top five riding Iceman de Muze, owned by E2 Show Jumpers, in 38.76 seconds.

For full results, please click here.

Source: Press release by Lindsay Brock, Juliana Chapman and Sabrina Brashares / Jennifer Wood Media, Inc. for ESP – Equestrian Sports Productions / PBIEC – Palm Beach International Equestrian Center

Photos: © Sportfot