Wellington, Florida – August 31, 2025 – Lauren Murphy (USA) celebrated a well-earned victory on the Derby Field in Sunday’s $10,000 Palm Beach Equine Clinic Grand Prix, delivering the only double-clear performance aboard her own Qinaki van den Dael during the ESP Labor Day horse show. Tasked with navigating Hector Loyola’s (PUR) challenging two-round track, Murphy was among the 5 to advance to the jump-off, where she sealed the win with a faultless round in 49.025 seconds. 

Just behind Murphy, USA’s Todd Minikus piloted “Gardenia”, owned by Stephen Macken, to a strong finish. Despite having a rail down, their quick round stopped the clock at 48.094 seconds, earning them second place honors.

Todd also rounded out the podium aboard Nelson S, owned by Sissy Wickes, in 52.299 seconds.

Murphy, the only rider to produce a double-clear round, remarked that Hector Loyola’s (PUR) jump-off course was a good fit for her long-strided mare, saying:

“I think it was a great jump off. It had a great triple combination and a great triple bar, delicate skinny. So I think it’s a really great class to do to set up for something because you have a little bit of everything. My mare has a really big stride. Sometimes our turns can get a little wide. So I think out on the field, it suits her because I can just gallop to the next jump. She covers ground pretty well.”

Setting the pace early placed them in a strong position, though a competitive field of talented pairs followed in what became a demanding jump-off. At just nine years old, Qinaki van den Dael, affectionately known as “Kiki” in the barn, demonstrated she was more than ready to rise to the occasion.

“She actually just stepped up to the 1.50m this summer. She’s just now climbing the ranks and she jumped her first three-star back in July. We’re just really excited about her. That’s what we love doing on the field here is just producing our younger ones so they’re ready for the international sport come winter.”

The 2025 Summer Series continues with ESP September, running from September 11 to September 14. Riders and fans alike can anticipate another action-packed week filled with premier equestrian competition, featuring top athletes and captivating performances across numerous events.

Final Results – $10,000 Palm Beach Equine Clinic Grand Prix

1) Lauren Murphy (USA) & Qinaki van den Dael – 0 / 0 – 49.025

2) Todd Minikus (USA) & Gardenia – 0 / 4 – 48.094

3) Todd Minikus (USA) & Nelson S – 0 / 4 – 52.299

Source: Press Release from Wellington International

Photos: © Wellington International / Grace Klement

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