Ireland’s Conor O’Regan has been producing Mendini DR since the mare’s six-year-old year. The now 11-year-old Belgian Warmblood (Hunter’s Scendix x Cassini I) carried O’Regan to victory in the $25,000 CaptiveOne Advisors Classic, the opening event of the 2023 1.50m Championship Jumper Series at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF).
Mendini DR, owned by Erin and Jimmy Walker’s Dynomite Ranch, had a deep cheering section on 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 40.477 seconds.
Of the 28 horses that started the class, five advanced to the tie-breaking jump-off over a course designed by Eric Hasbrouck (USA).
“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.