IRELAND’s Conor O’Regan got his 2023 season at the Winter Equestrian Festival off to a flying start with victory in the $25,000 CaptiveOne Advisors Classic, the opening event of the 2023 1.50m Championship Jumper Series at the Winter Equestrian Festival, Florida, USA.

O’Regan has produced Mendini DR since the mare’s six-year-old year. Now 11, the Belgian Warmblood (Hunter’s Scendix x Cassini I) carried O’Regan to victory in the opener.

Mendini DR, owned by Erin and Jimmy Walker’s Dynomite Ranch, had plenty of supporter around the ring last Saturday afternoon as she raced to the finish line in 41.185 seconds with a second to spare over runner-up Luis Fernando Larrazabal (VEN) riding Condara for owner Victoria Heurtematte.

They stopped the clock at 40.477secs. Of the 28 horses that started the class, five advanced to the tie-breaking jump-off over a course designed by Eric Hasbrouck (USA).

Bonus win

“I’ve produced this horse and we are still in a building stage with her, so to get the win today is a bonus,” said O’Regan. “She’s always had a good brain, but her style is quite unique.

The biggest thing with her was just to take my time and make sure she is comfortable jumping bigger. I think she proved that she can today.

“I set out in a really good pace and rhythm,” continued O’Regan of his plan for the jump-off. “My mare is naturally fast, so I knew I was going to have a go and it’s good practice. It all worked out for me in the end.”

Denmark’s Cecile Tofte rounded out the podium riding Napoleon van den Dael for owner Tal Milstein. Also taking their shot in the jump-off, Savannah Talcott (USA) finished fourth on Desta STE Hermelle, and Heather Caristo-Williams (USA) was fifth riding Dionysos de la Vigne.