Samuel Parot and Matt Williams Dominate Week III of the Ridge at Wellington's Turf Tour

Chile's Samuel Parot and Thea captured the first win of the day at the Ridge at Wellington.

January 22, 2014–The Grand Prix Field at the Ridge at Wellington was alive with excitement today as the third week of the Wellington Turf Tour got underway. The 1.30m-1.35m Jumpers stole the show with Chile’s Samuel Parot and Thea capturing the first win of the day, and Matt Williams, aboard Jameson, riding to the top of the ranks in the second. The Wellington Turf Tour will continue this Friday at the Ridge at Wellington as the 1.40m Invitational Grand Prix gets underway.

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Hailed as the highlight of the season, the Ridge at Wellington’s Turf Tour has continued to bring out the competition each week at differing venues across Wellington. This week the series came home to The Ridge, where riders tackled a meticulously designed track laid out by Kenneth Krome. The applause has only continued with each consecutive week as riders enjoy the luxury of showing on quality grass fields. The immaculate field at The Ridge sported some of the best footing the riders have experienced.

Parot was a clear example as he blazed through the course, posting the fastest of the four double clear efforts in a time of 29.718 seconds. He utilized the open grass field to his advantage during the first track, but in the jump off he threw caution to the wind as he sliced turns and maneuvered the fences with finesse. Gemma Paternoster and Figarro D took the second place position in 34.477 seconds. Roosje Brouwer piloted All In The Game to the third place leaving all rails in place in 36.170 seconds, while four faults cost Mario Garcia and Pacha De Nantuel a position in the top three, eventually settling with the fourth place award.

Parot stated, “I thought the footing was as beautiful as any field I have ever ridden. This is a real horse show. This is as good as it gets.”

It was Matt Williams and Jameson who bested the field of competitors during the second class. He navigated his mount to the first place finish in a time of 50.314 seconds, choosing accuracy over speed to take the win. Parot once again was on his heels, finishing with a time of 39.536 seconds with Thea. Two unfortunate knock downs placed Parot in the second place rank, while Rafael Contreras and Valencio took the third place spot as the fastest of the four faulters.

Jumpers should race to get their entries in as The Ridge at Wellington’s $15,000 1.40m Grand Prix this Friday. Tomorrow is the last day to avoid post entry fees and to take advantage of the chance to take on the track on The Ridge at Wellington’s Grand Prix Field. Top riders and amateurs alike have chosen to ride in this open event, challenging their young horses and allowing others to gain more experience.

The stakes are increasing each week as top riders, amateur and professional, vie for their invitation to the $24,750 1.40m Invitational Grand Prix Series Finale on Saturday, March 22, 2014, as well as the coveted Leading Rider Bonus. The Wellington Turf Tour will return to the International Polo Club Palm Beach next week for its Wednesday and Friday events.

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