World Cup Of Wellington To Take Place At Deeridge Farms
By Rebecca Walton
In February, Deeridge Farms will be opening its gates for a brand new equestrian event in the Wellington community, the Wellington Masters.
Last year, when the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) launched the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping North American League, a conflict almost hindered the ability of Wellington to offer a leg of the competition. Fortunately, the Jacobs family was excited to step in and host a qualifier at their 300-acre estate in the heart of the equestrian community.
“When we heard that there was a strong possibility that the World Cup qualifier was at risk, we wanted to do something to ensure that it would stay here,” Lou Jacobs explained. “My family discussed how we could help, and we decided to host the event at Deeridge Farms. Now we are assured that this important Longines FEI World Cup Jumping North American League qualifier will remain in Wellington for the next three years. It is important to the community, competitors and enthusiasts that we keep it here.”
Wellington has the distinction of hosting top-tier equestrians competing at world-class levels. An annual event that brings these athletes together is the opportunity to qualify for the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Final, an indoor championship that is considered one of the pinnacles of the sport.
“It’s exciting to use our family’s farm to host the best event possible for Longines FEI World Cup qualifier,” Charlie Jacobs said. “As a competitor, I am honored to be a part of this world-class event, and my family shares my commitment to preserving this class in Wellington.”
Deeridge Farms, owned by Jeremy and Margaret Jacobs, is a 300-acre oasis of serenity in the Village of Wellington. The Wellington Masters marks the first time that the property will host an event of this magnitude, and it promises to be a stunning location for the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping North American League Qualifier, which will draw the best athletes from North America.
The Jacobs family is looking to expertise from Stadium Jumping Inc., which they have hired to manage the event. With nearly 50 years of experience, Stadium Jumping has produced numerous qualifying classes and was the first equestrian event organizer to bring the World Cup Finals to the United States.
Together, the Jacobs family and Stadium Jumping are organizing the weeklong Wellington Masters from Thursday, Feb. 4 through Sunday, Feb. 7. The competition will be highlighted by the $100,000 Longines CSI 3* World Cup Qualifier on Sunday, and will additionally feature the $50,000 Longines Qualifier and the $35,000 Welcome Stake.
Other riders looking to participate will be able to compete in the $20,000 1.40m Open Jumper class and the $12,000 1.30m Open Jumper class. Gates will open at 11 a.m. for Sunday’s events, and spectators will be welcome with free admission and a $20 per car parking fee.
A total of 14 athletes from the new Longines FEI World Cup North American League will qualify for the prestigious Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Final, which will take place March 23-28 in Gothenburg, Sweden. The top seven athletes from the U.S. East Coast and the top three from the U.S. West Coast, plus the two best-placed athletes from Canada and Mexico, will qualify for next year’s final alongside winners of 15 leagues around the world.
