Wellington, Florida, USA – March 13, 2020 – Natalie Dean (USA) and Ceitasi topped a field of 71 entries to win the $37,000 Bainbridge 1.45m Classic CSI 3* on Friday, March 13, at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC).

Dean, 21, and Ceitasi contested the one-round speed course, set by Michel Vaillancourt (CAN), within the first third of the class, and they set a time to beat of 56.92 seconds that would hold up through to the end.

“The plan was to do five [strides] to six [strides], but I didn’t quite get the jump I wanted,” said Dean of her round. “So I ended up doing six and six, but she’s so fast. She’s a quick adder. She’s naturally a very quick horse, so she’s always going to be up there if I have a nice round.

Natalie Dean (USA) & Ceitasi in their winning presentation with ringmaster Steve Rector.

“She was amazing; she’s just a great horse,” continued Dean in speaking of the 10-year-old Westphalian mare, owned by Marigold Sporthorses LLC. “I’ve had her for around a year now, and I’m looking forward to continuing to do the 1.45m speed ranking classes with her.”

Finishing in second behind Dean with a time of 57.06 seconds was Sydney Shulman (ISR) riding Ardente Printaniere, owned by Jill Shulman. Rounding out the top three on a time of 57.29 seconds were Samuel Parot (CHI) and I&H Boogy Woogy, owned by Parot Horses LLC. Fourth place went to Lucas Porter (USA) and Sleepy P Ranch LLC’s B Once Z, who stopped the clock in 57.88 seconds. Great Britian’s Jessica Mendoza (GBR)  capped the top five riding Dublin, owned by Windsor Farms in 58.82 seconds.

The 10th week of WEF competition at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC), sponsored by Horseware Ireland, runs through March 15 and is recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) as a CSI 3*. Remaining highlights of the week include the $137,000 Horseware Ireland Grand Prix CSI 3* on Saturday afternoon, and the $37,000 CaptiveOne Advisors 1.50m Classic on Sunday.

For full results, please click here.

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

Photos: © Sportfot