Wellington, FL (January 22, 2019) – Friday’s final day of Turf Tour competition at Black Watch Farm proved to be as exceptional as the property itself. In caliber of rider, quality of footing, flow of the course design, and mildness of temperature, the third $15,000 1.40M Turf Tour Grand Prix of the 2019 season and all classes from the .80M to the 1.20M at Black Watch provided an unparalleled show experience for Florida winter equestrians. The fourth week of the Turf Tour will run Wednesday – Friday on the immaculate polo fields of Santa Rita Polo Farm, with the same schedule of classes and level of hospitality, and the second Hunter Derby Day of 2019 will be held January 26 with USHJA $5,000 National and $15,000 International Derbies at Jim Brandon Equestrian Center.

Olympian Laura Kraut and the athletic 11-year-old German-bred Holsteiner gelding Confu performed some show jumping ‘karate’ on the competition, jumping-off in a not to be topped time of 35.027. The decorated rider and accomplished international mount out-jumped a field containing some of the world’s top Olympic, international, and World Equestrian Games competitors: Ben Maher, Jessica Springsteen, Adam Prudent, Daniel Bluman, Mark Bluman, Steven Bluman, Paul O’Shea, Leslie Howard, Ali Wolff, Todd Minikus, and Schuyler Riley, to name just a few. Daniel Bluman and Cartouche finished second with a jump off time of 35.702, while Todd Minikus and Chaventyno ended in third with a jump off time of 35.738.

Renown French international show jumping rider and coach Henri Prudent, along with his son Adam and group of students including 3-day eventer Allison Springer, jumped at the opportunity to spend a few days showing on the beautiful fields at Black Watch. In total they brought 8 horses during week 3 to show at a variety of levels from the 1.10M to the Grand Prix. “It is a different experience than a bigger show circuit and it is always good for horses to jump on grass,” said Prudent. “Its a nice change of scenery and a relaxing and convenient option.”