Relive the Thrills of the ESP Rita & Irish Memorial and Gear Up for the ESP October Showdown!
Equestrian Village was the place to be this weekend! After what felt like an endless week of downpours, the sun made its grand appearance just in time for the much-anticipated kick-off of the ESP Rita & Irish Memorial.
On Friday, the covered VanKampen Arena became the epicenter of excitement with the Bainbridge Companies 1.40m Open Stake. A group of 13 dazzling horse-and-rider teams stormed the course, each with their eyes set firmly on that coveted top spot. Ecuador’s very own Diego Javier Vivero Viteri, aboard the magnificent Melaro Old, owned by Alejandro Martin Del Campo, set the arena alight with two flawless rounds in just 37.414 seconds. But hold your horses! The excitement reached fever pitch when Victor Mariano Luminatti and his stellar mount, Idette, galloped through the shortened course, clocking an electrifying 36.414 seconds and snatching the blue ribbon! Ireland’s Sarah Kerins, partnered with Centriko Volo of Celtic Park LLC, wasn’t far behind, completing in a swift 37.29 seconds to claim the third spot.
As if Friday’s action wasn’t thrilling enough, Saturday upped the ante! The $5,000 CCTV Agent 1.35m Stake saw 17 competitors battling it out under the sheltered VanKampen Arena. Alannah Wagstaff of the USA, atop Mill Pond Farm LLC’s Great Thing, truly showed what it means to “turn and burn.” Blazing through the course in a sizzling 30.442 seconds, the dynamic duo kept their blue ribbon streak alive for the second consecutive year! Right on their heels was Venezuela’s ace, Luis Fernando Larrazabal, with the majestic Abril Kontendra, finishing in a remarkable 30.88 seconds. Juan Jose Bancalari of DOMR, piloting Cascais HC, showcased true class by capturing the third-place spot in 31.202 seconds.
Come Sunday morning, the $20,000 4Ever Young Grand Prix took center stage. 25 horses and their riders gave it their all. And guess what? Victor Mariano Luminatti was back in action! He once again rode Idette to victory, finishing with a double clear and a jump-off time of 40.379. The incredible Sarah Kerins, aboard Centric Volo, showcased her prowess by clocking 40.44 seconds for the second spot. Rounding out the podium was the fabulous Nicole Velazco Magana, who delivered a stellar performance atop F.C. Okarla.
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