Wellington, United States – February 20, 2026 – U.S. Olympic team silver medal-winning duo Karl Cook (USA) and Caracole de La Roque topped the $32,000 Buckeye Nutrition CSI 2* – 1.45m on Friday of Week 7 at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). The victory was the perfect prelude to their appearance on the U.S. Jumping Team for the FEI Nations Cup CSIO 4*, presented by Florida Coast Equipment next Saturday.

From a nine-horse jump-off over tracks designed by Anthony d’Ambrosio (USA), Cook and his 14-year-old Selle Français mare (Zandor Z x Kannan*GFE) owned by Eric Navet and Signe Ostby, stopped the timers at 34.90 seconds.

Coming off two-star grand prix success during WEF 5, Hilary McNerney (USA) rode Corlando, a 10-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding (Corporal VDL x Laptop), to second in 37.05 seconds. 

Mexico’s Alberto Michan (MEX) rounded out the podium on Joint de Canabis van de Doornhoeve, a 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Canabis Z AKZ x VDL Cardento 933), finishing third in 37.44 seconds. 

This week marks Cook’s first trip to Wellington this season to use the two-star competition as preparation for the Wellington Nations Cup next week.

“The goal this week was to get her into the ring and make her feel like she’s in the game again,” said Cook of the mare that last competed at the end of January. “Our big goal this year is the World Games, so every single one of our decisions is geared toward putting us in the best place for Aachen.”

When asked where he took the win, Cook said, “I watched Hillary, and she was really fast, but the difference between Caracole and Hillary’s round is that we are a little tighter in the track. While it might not look like we’re going that fast, when you compare the two rounds, having that shorter track makes you save so much more time.”

Looking ahead to next week, Cook concluded, “This is my only home Nations Cup this year, and Saturday nights here always have a great crowd, great atmosphere, and everyone gets behind it. I’m feeling in a really good place.”

Hosting 12 weeks of international competition, WEF runs through March 29 at Wellington International in Wellington, FL.

Final Results – $32,000 Buckeye Nutrition CSI 2*

1) Karl Cook (USA) & Caracole de La Roque – 0 / 0 – 34.90

2) Hilary McNerney (USA) rode Corlando – 0 / 0 – 37.05

3) Alberto Michan (MEX) & Joint de Canabis van de Doornhoeve – 0 / 0 – 37.44

Source: Press Release from Wellington International

Photos: © Wellington International / Sportfot

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