Erynn Ballard & Comedie de Talma Top $25,000 Palm Beach Equine Clinic Grand Prix at Wellington

By on 2022-01-03

Wellington, Florida, USA – January 02, 2022 – Friday showcased efforts from 24 horse-and-rider combinations in the $25,000 Palm Beach Equine Clinic Grand Prix. Out of that group, six exhibitors representing four countries, including the United States, Canada, Colombia, and Brazil, qualified for the jump-off. As the first clear duo from the initial round, Ballard (CAN) and Comedie de Talma laid the gauntlet down with a double-clear effort in 35.45 seconds, which would keep them at the top of the standings as the class victors.

“I’ve had Comedie for a little over a year. I jumped her at the last Winter Equestrian Festival and I’m now starting to bring her back for this season. During WEF 2021, I jumped some CSI5* speed classes with her, so we’re building towards that,” Ballard remarked. “She’s a really fast horse, and obviously very competitive. To be able to have her in my string as one of my 4* or 5* horses, depending on the week, makes me feel very lucky. I’m excited for the start of the winter season! We spend a lot of time here and jump a lot of classes here, but I don’t think there is a better way to end the year. Hopefully on Sunday we can start the year equally as well.”

Though five partnerships tried to surpass Ballard (CAN) and Comedie de Talma as the leaders, none could catch their time, and only one other pair finished double-clear. Riding Windsor Show Stables’ Glen, Jonathan McCrea (USA) grabbed the runner-up spot as the final fault-free pair after crossing the timers in 38.73 seconds. The fastest of the four-faulters, Santiago Lambre (BRA) and Dingeman, owned by Integrated Services Florida LLC, rounded out the podium with a time of 36.54 seconds.