Press release from Wellington International, edited by World of Showjumping

Colombia’s Mark Bluman made his mark once again, adding another $62,500 Hermès 1.50m Classic blue ribbon win to his credit. This time riding S&L Hello Sunshine (Diamant de Semilly x Cosimo), on Sunday of CSI4* Week 9 during the 2026 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). Hosting 12 weeks of international competition, WEF runs through March 29 at Wellington International in Wellington, FL. 

With twelve combinations out of a forty-rider line-up returning to the jump-off track set by Ken Krome (USA), Bluman, who is on an exceptional run of form with 15 international podium finishes since November, returned with the 8-year-old Selle Français stallion for owner S & L Farms. With a time of 39.90 seconds, Bluman overtook the previous leading time if Nicola Philippaerts (BEL).

“The horse is super fast, and he has a huge stride. I did seven and seven in the first two lines, and I ended up doing the leaveout to the last,” said Bluman of the Diamant de Semilly stallion’s execution of the tie-breaking round. “I think everything else was super smooth; I caught a good rhythm starting the jump-off, so it worked out.”

Less than a second separated Egyptian Olympian, Nayel Nassar and Orphea HQ (Emerald van't Ruytershof x Epleaser van't Heike), an 11-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare owned by Evergate Stables, from the first-place finish. 40.28 seconds put Nassar in second while Philippaerts held on for third in 41.30 seconds riding his own 9-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding Rolex Ter Leydonck (Bamako de Muze x Nabab de Reve). 

Gaining the ride on S & L Hello Sunshine as a 7-year-old, Bluman has spent the last year slowly producing him, taking it step by step. “It’s a super horse, very competitive. I think at the end of the day, he’s going to play a big role in my string of horses.”

Of his growing partnership, Bluman spoke on his mount’s personality, saying, “He’s a stallion, but he doesn’t really know he is one. He’s super friendly, very sweet and overall a very good horse.” 

Being one of five in the Bluman family, support in and out of the saddle is not something the family lacks. Mark spoke on his family’s constant support, saying, “My family is a big help along with Mario Deslauriers, who helps me a lot. They’re all investing in my career, so I hope big things are coming in the future for me, and I’m very grateful for all that.”