Wellington, Florida, USA – February 09, 2024 – The fifth week of the 2024 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) continued on Friday at Wellington International, the first five-star week of the season, highlighed with a victory for Germany’s Rupert Carl Winkelmann (GER) in the $62,500 Bainbridge Challenge CSI 5* – 1.50m. Fifty-six competitors took to 2024 Olympic course designer Gregory Bodo’s (FRA) track looking to beat the clock.
Winkelmann and Quinn 33 (Quidam De Revel x Contender), owned by Einkendorf Horses GMBH & Co. KG, set the lead early in the order and never looked back. Going eleventh in the order, the pair completed the track in a clear 60.52 seconds.
“We’re very happy. This is actually my first five-star at WEF, so to come out here and win it is great,” said Winkelmann, 31. “I’ve had the horse [Quinn 33] for several years now.”
During the 2023 season at WEF, Quinn 33 was also piloted to international wins with U.S. rider Tanner Korotkin.
“After last season I took over the reins and he’s been great,” continued Winkelmann. “He’s naturally fast and careful as well, so the ride on him is fun. My job is to think ‘slow’ and he takes care of the rest.” The 14-year-old gelding will continue at the 1.50m level throughout the season, as that is where Winkelmann feels he shines.
Following the winner was Venezuela’s Luis Fernando Larrazabal (VEN) and Belle de Muze (Ponsee V), owned by Driss Ngadi. The pair took second with a hair-splitting time of 60.92 seconds, nearly catching the lead as one of the last to go.
Taking third was Erynn Ballard (CAN) and Game Over (Ukato x Lord Calando), owned by Ilan Ferder, jumping a clear 61.80 seconds.
“Sean [Crooks] and I started working together this year and he’s been a great help on the ground,” said Winkelmann of his new training partnership. “It’s been not even six weeks and I already feel improvement with the horses and more consistent.
“I’ve been working by myself for the past year, so I figured to take the next step in the sport,” continued Winkelmann. “It was time to have someone by my side to guide me through it, whether that be on the ground or helping me make a course plan. He’s already helped me feel more confident going into the ring.”
Winkelmann will return to the International Arena with a different mount, Calvados Sun, owned by Einkendorf Horses GMBH & Co. KG, for the week’s feature event in the $385,000 Fidelity Investments® Grand Prix CSI 5*, hosted Saturday, February 10, at 7pm during ‘Saturday Night Lights.’
Final Results – $62,500 Bainbridge Challenge CSI 5* – 1.50m
1) Rupert Carl Winkelmann (GER) & Quinn 33 – 0 – 60.52
2) Luis Fernando Larrazabal (VEN) & Belle de Muze – 0 – 60.92
3) Erynn Ballard (CAN) & Game Over – 0 – 61.80
Source: Press Release from Wellington International
Photos: © Wellington International / Cassidy Klein / Sportfot
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Categories: CSI 5*, English, Jumper News Deutschland, Wellington International
