Wellington, Florida, USA – March 29, 2024 – Five- star action heated up on Friday afternoon during the finale week of the 2024 Winter Equestrian Festival ( WEF ). The$ 500, 000 Rolex Grand Prix CSI 5*, the pinnacle event of the season, was well-prepared for the top riders from all over the world during the final” Saturday Night Lights. ”  , The American flag flew high at the completion of the day’s$ 62, 500 Bainbridge Companies CSI 5* 1. 50m as Karl Cook ( USA ) and Caracole de La Roque led yet another star- studded victory gallop.  ,
Guilherme Jorge ( BRA ) proposed a one-round speed track that 64 elite pairings would compete in. Twenty- three completed the course without jumping faults, but Cook and Signe Otsby’s 12- yr- old Selle Français horse ( Zandor by Kannan*GFE ) are known for their rapid movement, and today was no exception.  ,
” She loves jumping and she really leans into stuff”, Cook explained. When you ask her to move, she will immediately ρut her brain at the gate, and when she sees the gate, she is so confident in her weight that she lands oȵ the ground ready tσ go.
” She’s very bright and focused, “he continued”. She σften tries to solve the issue before her, moving her ears forward. She now knew that three steps before when I make an indication that we are heading left. ”  ,
The pair’s quick period of 61. 50 seconds cleared any remaining dirt as they get ready for their busy summer away because Cook is a newbie in the WEF season and has yet to do in a five-star at the venue before this week.  ,
Jimmy Torano ( USA ) piloted newer mount Kochio Z, a 10- year- old Zangersheide gelding ( Kannan x Diamant de Semilly ), into second place just a little over a second off the pace in 62. 74 seconds.
Ben Maher ( GBR ), a British citizen, came out on top with Jane Forbes Clark’s 13-year-old KWPN mare Ginger- Blue ( Plot Blue x Royal Bravour ).  ,
It made sense for me to let Caracole have a small blow today becαuse l had always planned ƫo include Kalinka compete at the great race this week,” Cook laughed. ” It was n’t so much about not stepping up as it was about how we were working on getting more consistency and rideability in the ring that this was always the intention when we came late to season. No less quickly, simply more predictable, and today felt easy so I’m quite happy. “
Last Results –$ 62, 500 Bainbridge Businesses CSI 5* – 1. 50m
1 ) Karl Cook ( USA ) &, Caracole de La Roque – 0 – 61. 50
2 ) Jimmy Torano ( USA ) &, Kochio Z – 0 – 62. 74
3 ) Ben Maher ( GBR ) &, Ginger Blue – 0 – 62. 89
Origin: Press Release from Wellington International
Photos: © Wellington International / Cassidy Klein / Sportfot
