The CSIO4* Wellington Nations Cup will be held during week eight of the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF 8) at Wellington International, with several CSIO warm up classes leading in to the $150,000 FEI Nations Cup on Saturday evening (28 February).
The selected combinations are:
- Lauren Balcomb with Verdini d’Houtveld Z
- Thaisa Erwin with Hialita B / Koberlina TN
- Hilary Scott with Lola
- Jamie Winning-Kermond with Tulara WAT Colblensky
- Matt Williams with For George
- Maleah Lang-McMahon with Elalisa
Performances in the lead up classes will likely influence who will be named in Saturday’s key team.
The partnership of Lauren Balcomb and 14-year-old Verdini d’Houtveld Z (Verdi Tn x Caretino 2) needs little introduction, with the duo recently winning a $120,000 CSI3* Grand Prix in Ocala.
Olympian Hilary Scott, who has enjoyed recent success in Florida with long-time partner Oaks Milky Way, will at this event partner with nine-year-old KWPN mare Lola (VDL Cardento 933 x Otangelo) owned by Alice Cameron.
Thaisa Erwin has her Paris Olympic partner – 13-year-old KWPN mare Hialita B (Emerald x Vaillant) co-owned by Michael Smith – entered, alongside the 10-year-old KWPN mare Koberlina TN (Eldorado Vd Zeshoek Tn x Verdi TN).
Jamie Winning-Kermond and 11-year-old Australian-bred mare Tulara WAT Colblensky (Colman x Cornet Obolensky), who recently travelled to the USA to compete, have already enjoyed success abroad – placing fourth in a $215,000 CSI4* Grand Prix in Wellington – and will be looking to build on their international CV.
Olympian Matt Williams will saddle up For George, an eight-year-old Westphalian stallion (For Pleasure x Lord Z Z), while 21-year-old Maleah Lang-McMahon will be riding 12-year-old Hosteiner mare Elalisa (Colman x Con Air 7).
Draws and results will be available via Wellington International’s results page.
