Wilmington, OH – Welcome back to World Equestrian Center – Wilmington! Feature class action for the WEC – Wilmington Spring/Summer Horse Show Series kicked off today with the $10,000 Welcome Stake 1.35m. An impressive field of sixteen competitors fighting for the win over testing tracks designed by Bobby Murphy of Lexington, KY. Seven skilled horse-and-rider combinations produced clean, zero-fault rides through both the first round of the 14-effort course and the jump off track.
Kady Abrahamson and Abrahamson Equestrian LLC’s Banco Du Moulin (Popstar Lozonais x Gerboise Du Moulin) dominated this evening’s class, precisely clearing each effort and speeding through both rounds.
Eagerly galloping into the qualifying round, Abrahamson and ‘Banco’ went clear in 73.131 seconds to secure a spot in the jump-off.
“This was Banco’s first class back since he won the Ride For David Grand Prix! He loves riding here. Usually, we would walk right into Saturday’s big class, but he’s been feeling extra fresh back home, so I decided to enter him on tonight’s Welcome. We had so much fun and are looking forward to the Grand Prix.” mentioned Abrahamson.
Abrahamson and the 2011 Selle Francais gelding wasted no time through the final track, opting for each technical inside turn that the jump-off presented, stopping the clock at 40.045 seconds for the win.
Proudly wearing her purple “Ride For David” pin on her jacket’s lapel, she added, “I’ve worn this at every show since the benefit at WEC. I saw David for the first time since the accident and it is so amazing he is here at the show. Not only is he here, but he is also walking around, coaching and is in amazing spirits. Seeing him back doing what he loves gives me so much inspiration!”
Kevin McCarthy of Lexington, Kentucky, and the keen Catch A Star HSS (Sheraton x Tolinda) held the lead for some time before being out-ran by Abrahamson. McCarthy expertly piloted the 2010 Swedish Warmblood mare, logging times of 73.308 seconds in the qualifying round and 41.688 seconds in the final round to win second-place honors.
Rounding out the top three, with times of 76.621 seconds and 42.090 seconds, were Taylor St Jacques and Tal Milstein Stables’ Jakilly (Harley VDL x Odermus R).
$10,000 World Equestrian Center Welcome Stake Results:
- Bano Du Moulin, Kady Abrahamson: 0 | 0 | 40.045
- Catch A Star HSS, Kevin McCarthy: 0 | 0 | 41.688
- Jakilly, Taylor St Jacques: 0 | 0 | 42.090
- Hendrik Wildricks, Richard Rinehart: 0 | 0 | 42.642
- Vincent, Richard Rinehart: 0 | 0 | 42.642
- Carel Van Donderen, Darby Pease: 0 | 0 | 44.857
- Cumbaya W, Darby Pease: 0 | 0 | 45.447
- Snow White, Natalie Thornell: 4 | 74.026
- Jackson VDL, Megan Bash: 4 | 75.355
- Happysina, Taylor St Jacques: 4 | 75.987
Photos courtesy of Winslow Photography.
Saturday | Don’t forget to bring your fastest pup to the dog races! Join us after Saturday’s Grand Prix in the Sanctuary Arena. Small, medium and large divisions | Winners receive $50 cash.
About World Equestrian Center
World Equestrian Center features two premiere equestrian and multidisciplinary venues in Ocala, Florida, and Wilmington, Ohio.
These exclusive facilities comprise state-of-the-art arenas, expansive stadiums, versatile outdoor space, sporting fields and well-appointed exposition centers. An abundance of lodging options and luxury accommodations are conveniently located on-site, along with shopping and dining throughout each property.
Dedicated to offering great sport and fun in a family-friendly environment, World Equestrian Center promises an unparalleled experience for exhibitors, spectators, vendors, sponsors and retailers built on three core values: Quality. Class. Distinction.