Wellington, Florida, USA – August 20, 2023 – Competition concluded on Sunday with the $25,000 Arthramid® Vet Grand Prix, but not before Australia’s Sharn Wordley (NZL) galloped to victory aboard Della Wordley’s Brin D’Or de Haute Melen Z in a competitive jump-off.
An international field of 24 riders contested the opening track, set by Héctor Loyola (PUR), with ten pairs jumping clear to advance to the tie-breaker round. Up against a time to beat of 40.615 seconds, Wordley and his mount stepped out on the field as the final combination to navigate the jump-off.
“I think he [Héctor Loyola] did a great job. The course was very technical but fair. My plan in the jump-off was basically just to go faster than Dylan, I probably should have left a stride out somewhere because I was a little too close to comfort, but it worked out. This horse [Brin D’Or de Haute Melen Z] is still learning, but to be able to ride the young horses for money and get experience competing on a grass field is fantastic,” Wordley shared.
With a fault-free time of 40.615 seconds, Sharn Wordley (NZL) and Brin D’Or de Haute Melen Z took home top honors and the lion’s share of the prize money.
Finishing in second place, Dylan Daly (IRL) piloted Cinderella Z, owned by Jacqueline Steffens Daly, to a double-clear time of 40.837 seconds.
Luiz Francisco de Azevedo (BRA) rounded out the podium with Santa Cecilia Stables’ Collin after tripping the timers in a clear 41.178 seconds.
The 2023 Summer Series will continue with ESP Summer III, which begins August 24, 2023. For the full Summer Series Prize List, please click here.
Final Results – $25,000 Arthramid® Vet Grand Prix
1) Sharn Wordley (NZL) & Brin D’Or de Haute Melen Z – 0 / 0 – 40.615
2) Dylan Daly (IRL) & Cinderella Z – 0 / 0 – 40.837
3) Luiz Francisco de Azevedo (BRA) & Collin – 0 / 0 – 41.178
Source: Press Release from Wellington International
Photos: © Wellington International / Cassidy Klein
