Alvaro de Miranda Wins $500,000 FTI WEF Finale Grand Prix

(Photo: Alvaro De Miranda, riding AD Rahmannshof’s Bogeno, kindly greeting our camera)

March 30th, 2013 – It was a great night under the lights as the Winter Equestrian Festival held the $500,000 FTI Consulting CSI5* Finale Grand Prix on Saturday, March 30th. The international ring was packed with spectators clinging to their seats as horses and riders made their way around the course. 40 riders competed for a chance to capture some pretty substantial prize money, but only 10 went double clear and proceeded to the jump off.

Kent Farrington & Blue Angel held the crowd’s attention as they galloped around the jump-off course. With each jump and seemingly tighter turns onlookers gasped and loudly cheered as the pair approached the final fence; when the fence hit the ground… it was utter devastation. Still, they put in tremendous effort and everyone proudly applauded the Wellington, FL. natives as they exited the ring.

Staying focused and on top of his game, Brazilian rider Alvaro De Miranda took the top honors aboard his 12 year old Westfalen, AD Rahmannshof’s Bogeno. With such fire and scope it really is no surprise that this gelding is by Rodrigo and Nelson Pessoa’s, now retired, show jumping stallion, Baloubet Du Rouet. Miranda has racked up several wins this year aboard this talented gelding and we think they make quite the team. Their round was clean and clear and their time of 43.96s claimed the winning title.

There’s a certain flare the Brazilians bring to their riding that’s both nerve-racking and exhilarating to watch. Horse and rider complimented each other magnificently; it was impressive!

Congratulations to all the riders, we look forward to next year’s $500,000 finale grand prix!

Results:

Placing Rider Horse Faults Time

1st Alvaro de Miranda AD Rahmannshof’s Bogeno 0 43.96s

2nd Ben Maher Cella 0 44.88s

3rd Athina Onassis Camille Z 0 54.46s

4th Kent Farrington Blue Angel 4 43.52s

5th Nick Skelton Big Star 4 44.21s

6th Beezie Madden Simon 4 44.80s

7th Lauren Hough Quick Study 4 45.20s

8th Marie Hecart Myself de Breve 4 47.77s

9th Charlie Jayne Chill R Z 8 46.49s