Wellington, Florida, USA – February 22, 2024 – The $32,000 Ethel M Chocolates Qualifier CSI 2* closed out competition in the International Arena on Friday during the seventh week of the 2024 Winter Equestrian Festival at Wellington International. Despite not claiming the win, the United States managed to put two of their many great riders on the podium.

Anthony D’Ambrosio’s (USA) first-round track welcomed 75 entries to vie for a spot in Sunday’s Ethel M Chocolates Grand Prix CSI 2* event. Nineteen riders represented a truly international jump-off lineup, while several entries elected to save their mounts for the weekend. 

The lead changed hands several times early in the short course before Heather Caristo-Williams (USA) took over the top placing aboard Celtic Hero BZ midway through the order. With several incredibly fast riders still to come, Caristo-Williams and Holly and Ralph Caristo’s 12-year-old Zangersheide stallion (Calikot Hero x Nissan Caretano Z) ultimately settled for third place backed by their fault-free jump-off effort in 34.33 seconds.

Lacey Gilbertson (USA) gave it her best shot but posted a time of 34.06 seconds which left her and the Seabrook’s nine-year-old Zangersheide mare (Lord Pezie Junior x Semper Fi), Loulou MPSZ, still half a second slower than the eventual winners, Simon McCarthy (IRL) and Gotcha. Their mark of 34.06 seconds ended up earning them silver honors.

Final Results – $32,000 Ethel M Chocolates Qualifier CSI 2*

1) Simon McCarthy (IRL) & Gotcha – 0 / 0 – 33.31

2) Lacey Gilbertson (USA) & Loulou MPSZ– 0 / 0 – 34.06

3) Heather Caristo-Williams (USA) & Celtic Hero BZ – 0 / 0 – 34.33

Source: Press Release from Wellington International

Photos: © Wellington International / Sportfot

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