Simon McCarthy and Narcotique v/h Dingenshof are presented as winners of the $32,000 ArthramidVet CSI3* 1.50m Grand Prix qualifier by Liz Hancox, Southeast Sales Manager with ArthramidVet. Photo © Sportfot.
Edited press release from Wellington International
Simon McCarthy (IRL) and Narcotique v/h Dingenshof sealed the deal in the $32,000 ArthramidVet CSI3* 1.50m Grand Prix qualifier on Friday during the ESP Pre-Charity week at Florida’s Wellington International.
The stage was set for a competitive race to the finish with 16 horses moving forward to the tie-breaking jump-off designed by Hector Loyola (PUR). With blistering footspeed and efficient turns, McCarthy and Narcotique v/h Dingenshof—an 11-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare (Harley x Chacco-Blue)—set an unbeatable standard of 36.57 seconds over the short track.
The closest challenger was Colombia’s Roberto Teran Tafur, who finished second by almost two full seconds in 38.25. He piloted Iron Maiden (Clarimo x Kashmir Van Schuttershof) for owner Rocking Basilisk Farm.
“I've had the last fence down in jump-offs a few times lately, so I didn't make a crazy solid plan this time,” admitted McCarthy. “I wanted to be smooth, and I knew she was going to be quick. I trusted she was going to be careful, but I made myself stay patient and do eight strides to the last. I was proud of myself for that.”
Simon McCarthy and Narcotique v/h Dingenshof won the $32,000 ArthramidVet CSI3* Grand Prix qualifier during ESP Pre-Charity at Wellington International. Photo © Sportfot.
Narcotique v/h Dingenshof, owned by Ilan Ferder, is relatively new to McCarthy after joining his string in June to jump a summer tour in Europe. “I was lucky enough to keep the ride on her for now and she's just been going from strength to strength. I really like her.
“I can normally do one more stride than most and it doesn't make me much slower,” continued McCarthy, 29, of his mare’s quickness. “Even though I take a lot of risk, if I need to be cautious somewhere, I can with her and still be fast enough. She's a real fighter in the ring and she loves to do her job.”
Looking ahead, McCarthy will aim Narcotique at Sunday’s grand prix before focusing the mare, along with his second top mount Gotcha, at the Hermès 1.50m Series during the 2025 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF).
Rounding out the podium placings, Abigail McArdle (USA) took third in 38.29 seconds riding Olympia van het Eikenhof (Elvis Ter Putte x Toulon), owned by Sweetwater Jumpers.
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