Wellington International re-opens with Jad Dana win

Jad Dana returned to his favorite Fall hunting ground – the International Ring at Wellington International – winning the $24,999 Grand Prix aboard Leonidas, leading the jump off with a time that proved fastest by almost two seconds.

Happy to be home. Jad Dana and Leonidas claim victory as Wellington International re-opens for business. Photo: Sarah Eakin

“I love this place,” the Lebanese rider said, having jumped clear on all three of his mounts to monopolize the 12-strong jump off. “Just over the years, from doing it more and more, I know this ring better and better, and I feel very comfortable.”

This week’s ESP Fall Finale show saw action move back to the main showgrounds of Wellington International, where major construction is underway to extend the venue and renovations have been completed including the installation of new footing by JTWG Equestrian Services Inc. with GGT textile additives in the International Ring. “It feels great,” said Jad of the new footing. “All three of mine were clear today, so obviously they like jumping on it.”

Leaving it all in the International Ring at the final fence – Jad Dana and Leonidas. Photo: Sarah Eakin

Jad took a rail on his opening jump off horse Mondavi, jumped clear to take fifth on Fleur-de-lis’ Cherie before sealing the victory – last to go aboard Leonidas – in a time of 33.65 seconds knocking Spain’s Deigo Perez Bilbao and CMD Scarlet into second with their round in 35.132. Jad is Wellington-based year-round and as the Winter Equestrian Festival 2026 looms on the horizon, overseas riders are trickling back into town, including Germany’s Tony Stormans who took third aboard Surprise in a time of 35.559 seconds.

Leonidas and Jad Dana took center stage at Wellington International. Photo: Wellington International

Leonidas, a nine-year old Dutch Warmblood, owned by Burr Associates, has an imposing presence in the ring and strengths that Jad applied to the jump off shaving off time with a tight turn into a vertical mid-way through the round. “He’s extremely competitive, extremely game. He’s a real tryer in the ring,” said Jad. “He’s really good at turning. He can turn and then speed up again, which is what he did and then he could leave a stride out after, which really just shows how he’s a great horse.”

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