More than 400 guests descended upon Deeridge Farms in Wellington on Monday, Feb. 10 to witness a showdown between some of the world’s best athletes at the World Championship Equestrian Triathlon. Elite polo players, show jumpers and dressage riders competed head-to-head while switching their sports of expertise.
The one-night event raised more than $185,000 for the Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club of Wellington. The club provides services during non-school hours, as well as summer camp opportunities, to nearly 1,000 boys and girls from ages 6 to 18. More than 50 club members attended the festivities and met celebrity guests, including one of their favorites, polo star Nic Roldan.
Taking the gold medal for the second year in a row was Team Sebilion with Olexa Celine as team captain, Mathilde Blais, Brian Moggre and Nic Roldan. Roldan took home the VIP title for the evening, while Blais went on to score the winning polo goal.
Postage Stamp Farm included Brandon Phillips as team captain, Jay Hayes, Lerin Zubiaurre and Geena S. Martin. Most of the team returned for the third year in a row. Glenbeigh Farm, new to the triathlon this year, included Jules Cournane as team captain, Ellesse Jordan Gundersen, Capt. Brian Cournane and Carlos Gracida. They took home the award for best overall team spirit. Some of the best equestrians in the world made up the team for Ford’s Garage. Its roster included team captain Rowan Willis, Martin Fuchs, Pamela Flanagan and Paula Matute.
The annual event has quickly become a favorite among athletes. “The Equestrian Triathlon was such an exciting and thrilling event for both the crowd and the athletes,” Grand Prix dressage rider Ellesse Jordan Gundersen said. “To see a group of athletes from all over the world and from all sorts of disciplines come together and be part of an event to benefit and support Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County truly shows the strength of this community.”
International dressage stars Juan Matute Guimon, P.J. Rizvi and Chris Von Martels served as judges. Catie Staszak emceed the festivities, and Nashville recording artist Caroline Jones and DJ Roy wowed the crowd. Delectable cuisine was provided by Delaware North. Serving as co-chairs were Neil S. Hirsch and Kathleen Gannon-Ledsome. The Jacobs Family served as honorary chairs. Sponsors included Animo, Black Watch Farm, Cirque Dreams, Defend Your Head, ESPN Radio 106.3 FM, Fleur De Lis International Realty, Ford’s Garage, Glenbeigh Farm, Greenberg Traurig, Modern Luxury, Polo Gear, Postage Stamp Farm, Publix Supermarket Charities, Sebilion Farm and Voltaire.
