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English Events Horse Happenings

Deeridge Farm Opens Gates to $24,750 Ridge at Wellington Invitational Grand Prix Finale

Wellington, FL ­- March 20, 2013 – The 2013 Winter Circuit has been riveting with exciting new jumper action lying outside of the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL. The Ridge at Wellington’s $175,000 1.40m Invitational Grand Prix Series has complemented the Winter Equestrian Festival for 10 weeks, offering a variety of venues for Level 2 Jumpers as they hone their skills as riders, and those of their young horses. This season has also hosted a number of historical landmarks for Wellington, not only opening the gates to the illustrious Mida Farms and newly renovated “Tops Field”. Now the public has been welcomed to ride at the prestigious center field at Deeridge Farm, where the series will host its $24,750 1.40 Invitational Grand Prix Finale this Saturday, March 23.

Originally designed by George D’Ambrosio and Nona Garson, the $175,000 Ridge at Wellington 1.40m Invitational Series has welcomed top professionals, amateurs and juniors alike to take their turn at the chance to win the weekly $15,000 1.40m Grand Prix. The pilot series has hosted over 42 entrants a week, boasting low entry fees, high prize money and top-of-the-line courses for participating riders. It was Victoria McCullough who first stepped forward to host the series on her grass field in Wellington, earmarking a page in history as the first Grand Prix to take place on the once polo fields. After concluding the 10-week series, the finale has been a heated topic of discussion, as riders will vie for the coveted prize money, bragging rights, and the opportunity to ride on the distinguished Deeridge Farm Center Field.

Owned by Jerry and Peggy Jacobs, the training facilities at Deeridge Farm hosts top footing, including an outstanding grass field that has never before been used by riders outside of the Jacobs family. However, after visiting the Ridge at Wellington Friday Grand Prix several weeks ago, Mrs. Jacobs turned to her husband and announced her interest in volunteering the facility for this premier series.

 

Top amateur jumper rider Charlie Jacobs and son of Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs commented, “It was our relationship with Nona and George that opened the gateway to have my parent’s farm used for the Finale. We are going to give this a run and see how it goes, but I feel as though this class truly complements the Winter Equestrian Festival and fills a niche for young horses and riders.”

 

Charlie continued, “With WEF being a 12-week circuit, this series allows for riders to venture outside of the show grounds and ride on the grass field, it is a nice change. I think that this is something that has a future and helps to promote our sport, we are thrilled to be a part of it.”

Week after week, riders have complimented management on the tremendous difference the series makes in their Winter Circuit. Riders have been able to enjoy the exceptional course design, first-rate footing and generous prizes that have become the hallmarks of The Ridge’s Grand Prix series. Top course designers such as David Ballard, Conrad Homfeld,Pierre Jolicoeur and Eric Hasbrouck have created fair courses that provide a good challenge. The series offers generous cash prizes, and the rider who racks up the most points during the season will be awarded with the Leading Rider Bonus, currently led by Andres Rodriguez with a leading amount of $20,050 in earnings from his participation in the series. The March 23 season finale features a $24,750 purse, an unheard amount for a Level II Jumper class, and the Leading Rider will also claim the two-year lease on a brand new Mini Cooper.

 

Kim Jacobs elaborated on the Jacobs’ participation in the Grand Prix Finale, “It is really exciting for us to be able to host the Finale. We are so fortunate to have the training facility and be able to have the opportunity to share it with the public. The series has had such great execution, and it definitely fills a hole in Wellington.”

 

Kim concluded, “The Winter Equestrian Festival, although an amazing venue for national and international competitors, is fantastic; however, the Ridge at Wellington Invitational Series allows for a more intimate environment, and it is reminiscent of traditional horse shows. It provides a different atmosphere; it is something that can only help Wellington and the equestrian community. We are thrilled to be able to help, and also have the opportunity to showcase the beautiful land of the Equestrian Preserve. I am sure that this series will take off, and we are hoping to see more events like this throughout Wellington in the future.”

 

The $24,750 Ridge at Wellington Invitational Grand Prix Finale will begin promptly at 8 am and run until 5 pm on Saturday, March 23, at Deeridge Farm in Wellington, FL. Gate 4 will open for the first time to the public, making Wellington history as the Finale marks the first event to ever take place in the prestigious venue. Riders are encouraged to get their entries in as soon as possible for the approaching Saturday Grand Prix. Turning in entries early will ensure that they get the time that they desire.

 

Entries are available at www.theridgefarm.com.

For more information about the Ridge at Wellington please go to www.theridgefarm.com. For up-to-date information please follow the Ridge at Wellington on Facebook at  http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Ridge-at-Wellington/219358376264.

THE RIDGE AT WELLINGTON HORSE SHOW SERIES FAST FACTS  

Events:

The Ridge at Wellington $175,000 Invitational Grand Prix Series Finale will take place at Deeridge Farm, earmarking a page in history for the pilot series and the illustrious facility. This all-new series offered $15,000 in prize money every Friday and culminates with the $24,750 Grand Prix Finale on Saturday, March 23.


What:

Deeridge Farm
12500 Pierson Road

Gate 4

Wellington, FL 33414
Barn & Show Phone 561-791-1471 | Barn Fax 561-791-1543

 

Information:

Before Show – (561) 791-1471, Email: RidgeShows@aol.com

During Show – Telephone: (561) 791-1471, Fax: (561) 791-1543

Website: www.TheRidgeFarm.com

 

Management:

Nona Garson
14415 Palm Beach Point Blvd. East
Wellington, FL, 33414
(561) 791-1471 (show office)
(908) 839-3859 (show cell)
(561) 791-1543 (show fax)