Press release from Wellington International, edited by World of Showjumping

Lebanon’s Jad Dana christened the start of international competition during the Wellington International Spring Series, presented by Florida Coast Equipment, by taking the top two spots in Thursday’s CSI3* $32,000 BrainJuice two-phase on the grass derby field. For owner Burr Associates, Inc., Dana, 31, won aboard the 9-year-old Mondavi (Tyson x Warrenstown You 2) and took the runner-up position riding Leonidas (Kannan x Negro). 

The Spring Series spans five weeks and runs through May 10, featuring hunter, jumper and equitation competition at Wellington International, home of the famed Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF).

Dana piloted his two mounts from a field of 37 contenders over tracks set by course designer Meghan Rawlins (CAN). Jumping clear in the opening portion of the two-phase format, Dana advanced to the speed test, crossing the timer beam in an uncatchable 30.83 seconds with his winning mount, an Irish Sport Horse mare.

His second ride of the day also landed on the podium with a final second-round time of 31.06 seconds aboard the 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, Leonidas.

“[Mondavi and Leonidas] are now stepping up to these classes, and it feels great that on the first day on the field, they can get right into it, be as great as they were today and bring it home,” explained Dana of his rounds aboard two up-and-coming horses.

Dana has focused his winter season on the development of his string, saying, “They have had two weeks off and came out strong on the field. Hopefully, we keep moving up, being competitive and winning at every level that they step up to because that’s the goal—producing young horses as well and bringing the best out of my horses is what we work towards.”

Closing out the rest of the remaining podium placing was Irishman Jordan Coyle riding 14-year-old Anglo European stallion Calcourt Particle (Spartacus TN x Lasino) for owners Elan Farm. They stopped the clock at 32.07 seconds.