Wellington, Florida, USA – March 30, 2023 – It was a busy day on Thursday at the Wellington International with top riders and horses of the the noble sport showcasing their talent in both CSI 5* and CSI 2* classes, one of the last FEI constests of 2023 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). Perhaps the winningest nation in the twelve-week long circuit, Ireland was victorious again as Conor O’Regan (IRL) and Manchester rode to first place in the $12,000 Kingsland Speed Challenge CSI 2*.

Fifty-combinations entered the ring of the International to face the 1.45m obstacles on the course designed by Guilherme Jorge (BRA) but it was O’Regan who raced towards first place, teaming up with the 11-year-old chestnut Belgian Warmblood stallion (Quidam de Revel x Jalisco B), leaving all the poles up for no penalties and registering the fastest time of 71.19 seconds.

Brazil was denied two FEI wins on this day. After having finished second in the $146,000 Adequan® WEF Challenge Cup – Round XII CSI 5* with Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA) and Major Tom, now, it was Fabio Leivas da Costa (BRA) and Amigo W Z‘s (Andiamo Z x Contendro I) turn to be nipped at the wire by just over eight tenths of a seconds, completing their penalty-free silver performance in 72 seconds flat.

Another powerhouse of showjumping in Latin America, Mexico completed the podium. Maya Ines Denis Chambon (MEX) guided Jantien de Muze (Triomphe de Muze x Lord Z) towards the third-fastest clean round of the test, rounding out the top three in 73.29 seconds.

Final Results – $12,000 Kingsland Speed Challenge CSI 2*

1) Conor O’Regan (IRL) & Manchester – 0 – 71.19

2) Fabio Leivas da Costa (BRA) Amigo W Z – 0 – 72

3) Maya Ines Denis Chambon (MEX) & Jantien de Muze – 0 – 73.29

Text: Jumper News, no reproduction without permission.

Photo: © Wellington International / Sportfot / Hannah Stephens

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