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Competition Update

Philip McGuane and Orphea HQ Rise to the Challenge

Ireland's Philip McGuane piloted the Evergate Stables-owned Orphea HQ to a career-best victory for the mare in Friday’s $62,500 Adequan® WEF Challenge Cup Round 6. The qualifying event for Saturday's $140,000 KASK CSI3* Grand Prix took place on the grass derby field at Equestrian Village during Week 6 of the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). 

The field was made up of 67 horse jumping courses designed by Anna Catalina “Catsy” Cruz of Mexico. McGuane claimed the win in a nine-horse jump-off by just under one second over Canada’s Susan Horn riding Kirlo Van Den Bosrand. Horn’s time of 39.27 over the short track was just off the pace from McGuane in 38.62 second, and she took second for owner Kingsfield Farm. Alexandra Worthington (USA) rounded out the podium on De l’Oiseliere, owned by Turn a Blind Eye LLC, in a time of 39.51 seconds. 

Philip McGuane & Orphea HQ, winners of the $62,500 Adequan® WEF Challenge Cup Round 6. Photo © Sportfot

The win was a career-best for Orphea HQ, a 10-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare (Emerald x Epleaser van't Heike). After starting the season with a top-five finish in the WEF 1 three-star grand prix, Orphea has been knocking on the door of a blue ribbon. 

“Phillip has developed a really strong partnership with her. It's been really cool to see him really come into his element, get more competitive, and dig in for these kinds of classes because we always knew he was capable of it,” said owner Nayel Nassar of Evergate Stables about McGuane’s partnership with the mare that has been part of the Evergate string since her seven-year-old year. “The way she warmed up today, I knew that this was very winnable for her. She's continued to impress us and keeps improving. It's a very proud moment for team Evergate and we're proud of Phillip too.”

McGuane joined the Evergate Stables team to develop their younger stock after riding for Switzerland’s Beat Mändli and U.S. rider Katie Dinan. During that time he has developed an undeniable connection with Orphea HQ.

Caroline Signorino and Gerardus Shine Bright in the $5,000 WCHR 3’3” Amateur-Owner Hunter Classic

Caroline Signorino & Gerardus, winners of the $5,000 WCHR 3’3” Amateur-Owner Hunter Classic. Photo © Sportfot

Hunters shined under the lights during Friday night’s $5,000 WCHR 3’3” Amateur Owner Hunter Classic, part of WCHR week at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). Forty-seven amateur hunters took the opportunity to compete with their own mounts in the International Arena with the class held in a traditional hunter derby format, designed by course designer Andy Christiansen (ECU).

Each rider completed the classic round of competition, giving them a single score determining their position for the handy round. The top-12 scoring riders from round one returned for the test of the handy round. Of those 12 returning riders, it was Caroline Signorino of Basking Ridge, NJ, and Gerardus who took home the win. 

The pair came in on top from the start. Going second in the order during the opening round, Signorino set the top score of 87 and couldn’t be beat. Returning in reverse order, Signorino and the 13-year-old gelding were last to challenge the handy round, laying down another 87 for a total of 174 to secure the win. 

This might be Signorino’s first season as an amateur, but her partnership with Gerardus has been well-established throughout her junior career. Before pulling double duty in the hunter ring, Gerardus was Signorino’s equitation mount. “Last year we started doing him in the junior hunters as well as the equitation classes,” noted Signorino. “I've had him for a while and he means a lot to me. He's been a trooper and always by my side. I'm so thankful for him.” 

Caroline Signorino & Gerardus are presented as winners of the $5,000 WCHR 3’3” Amateur-Owner Hunter Classic during WCHR Week at WEF. Photo © Sportfot

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