As the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) gears up for its third five-star Grand Prix of the season, anticipation is at an all-time high. Saturday night’s $500,000 CSI5* Bainbridge Companies Grand Prix will see some of the world’s best combinations battle it out under the lights in the International Arena. With just one more CSI5* Grand Prix left before the $750,000 Rolex US Equestrian Open Final during WEF 12, this is a crucial moment for riders to make their mark.

Reigning Champions in the Field

Two of the biggest names in the sport will enter the ring as the highest-rated horses in the competition: Henrik von Eckermann & King Edward and Christian Kukuk & Checker 47. These two reigning champions—King Edward as the current World Champion and Checker 47 as the reigning Olympic Champion—have already proven themselves at WEF this season.

King Edward, the highest-rated horse on record with an Elo rating of 810, finished fifth in the WEF 5 CSI5* Grand Prix after delivering a solid double clear. Meanwhile, Checker 47 has been nothing short of dominant, claiming a CSI4* Grand Prix victory during WEF 3, finishing as the runner-up in WEF 7’s five-star Grand Prix, and are of course the defending champions of the WEF 12 Grand Prix.

Both horses arrive in top form and will be the combinations to beat when the competition heats up under the Saturday night lights.

The Hometown Heroes

McLain Ward & Ilex – The USA’s Best Shot?

If the American crowd is looking for a home victory, their hopes may rest on McLain Ward & Ilex. This combination played a key role in securing Team USA’s Olympic silver medal in Paris last summer, and Ilex will be making his five-star Grand Prix season debut here at WEF 9.

Ward’s track record at the Winter Equestrian Festival speaks for itself. Since 2010, he has amassed an impressive 60 international wins at this venue. He is also one of just two riders in history to win multiple five-star Grands Prix in the same WEF season—a feat that only one other rider has ever achieved.

Kent Farrington & Myla – Making History?

That rider? Kent Farrington—who has already won both five-star Grands Prix of the WEF 2025 season aboard Greya. No rider has ever managed to win more than two five-star Grand Prix classes in a single WEF season, but with Myla in strong form, Farrington could be on the verge of rewriting history.

Though Myla sits just outside the Top 10 Elo-rated horses in the field (Elo: 720), she is ranked among the Top 5 highest-rated 10-year-old horses in the world. Farrington’s record speaks for itself, and if anyone can pull off the impossible, it’s him.

Lillie Keenan & Argan de Beliard – A Veteran of the International Arena

For Lillie Keenan & Argan de Beliard, experience will be key. The 13-year-old gelding will be jumping his 40th five-star 160cm round in this Grand Prix, with 12 of those rounds already taking place in this very arena at WEF.

Most recently, the pair delivered a strong podium finish, taking third place in the WEF 7 CSI5* Grand Prix. With familiarity and form on their side, they will be looking to improve upon that result as they take on another stacked field this weekend.

The Challengers

Darragh Kenny & Zero K – The Momentum Factor

Ireland has always had a strong presence in Wellington, and this year is no exception. Leading the charge will be Darragh Kenny & Zero K, who will enter the ring last in the draw after their WEF 9 Challenge Cup victory last Thursday. Kenny has a history of success under the lights, and with momentum on his side, he could be a serious contender for the win.

“These classes are so competitive. There are so many brilliant riders. One day it’s me, next day it’s Kent [Farrington], next day it’s Richard Vogel, Henrik Von Eckermann, Mclain Ward. That’s just how competitive this circuit is here.”

Shane Sweetnam & James Kann Cruz – Ireland’s Top-Rated Horse

Another top Irish combination to watch will be Shane Sweetnam & James Kann Cruz, currently the highest-rated Irish horse with an Elo of 760. Coming off a runner-up finish in the Ocala World Cup last month, James Kann Cruz is in top form and could be one of the biggest threats to the championship favorites.

The Stage is Set

With elite talent from around the world converging on Wellington, this promises to be one of the most thrilling nights of the WEF 2025 season. Can King Edward solidify his reign? Will Checker 47 add another WEF Grand Prix title to his record? Or will a US rider rise to the occasion on home soil? One thing is certain—Saturday night is set to deliver a world-class showdown.