Wellington, Florida (March 3, 2016) – With the elegant backdrop of The Wanderer’s Club setting the stage for the first day of Week 9’s competition, the two grass arenas of the Turf Tour hosted Wednesday’s divisions, two 1.30-1.35M classes and Low, Medium, and High Schooling jumpers. Adjacent to the rolling golf course and overlooked by the Wanderer’s clubhouse, the unique and beautiful venue is a spectacular addition to the Turf Tour’s already varied schedule, and hosted some of the biggest names in show jumping as they raced against the clock over the springy, natural footing.

Navigating the two courses of brilliant jumps laid out by designer Nick Granat, Swiss Olympian Beat Mandli took first and second place over the red course of the 1.30-1.35M with Celina and Uepind de Brekka, finishing on blisteringly fast jump off times of 38.874 and 40.512. Over the green course, Clementine Goutal and Caballito proved unbeatable in the jump off, with a final time of 32.874. She was tailed closely by Laruen Crooks and C’est Ci Bon 4, who rode to a jump off time of 33.421. Olympian Ben Maher and Jane Clark’s Tic Tac set an initial first round double clear in 44.126 seconds over the green course, which was favored heavily by Wednesday’s competitors. The jump offs over both courses were challenging but based in strong basics, a reflection of the Tour’s mission of cultivating young and developing athletes, both human and equine.

The second arena at The Wanderer’s Club featured High, Medium, and Low Schooling Jumpers over two courses that ran concurrently with the 1.30-1.35M. The laid back, ‘show when you like’ atmosphere was especially apparent at The Wanderer’s, as horses and riders arrived, warmed-up, and showed at their leisure, enjoying the Meadowbrook Horse Transport shuttle to take them door-to-door, as well as complimentary lunch and snacks provided for all riders, grooms, owners, and spectators. “It’s a really unique way to do things,” said Olympian Nona Garson, who organizes and runs the Turf Tour with Craig Bergman and George D’Ambrosio. “Riders can sharpen their skills riding against Olympians on exceptional footing and over expertly designed courses, but all at their own pace and in a beautiful setting. Our headline class, the $15,000 Grand Prix, kicks off Friday, March 4 at 8am, and post entries are always welcome for both arenas.”

For more information on The Ridge at Wellington’s Turf Tour, including up-to-date show results, photos, and a full prize list, visit The Ridge at Wellington’s website (http://www.theridgefarm.com/locations/wellingtoninfo.html) and follow them on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/theridgeatwellington/).

Media Contact: 
Holly Johnson 
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC 
holly@equinium.com 
954 205 7992

More shots from today’s competition! Photos courtesy of Equinium Sports Marketing/The Ridge at Wellington)