WELLINGTON, Fla.--Colombian Olympian Roberto Teran Tafur on Iron Maiden won the $32,000 CSI3* WEF Challenge Cup Round 1 on Thursday, Jan. 9 during the first competition of the Winter Equestrian Festival.
Roberto Teran Tafur on Iron Maiden (Photo by Sportfot)The Challenge Cup was run In the winning round format where the top 12 riders from the first round over a course designed by Nick Granat advanced to the tie-breaking jump-off.
Teran had a rail down over the first course but was clean in the jump-off to finish in 41.63 seconds, more than two seconds faster than closest challenger, Ireland's Shane Sweetnam on Coriaan van Klapscheut Z, clean in 43.39 seconds
Nicky Galligan of Ireland on 1 VDL Nikita van de Leeuwerk was third in 43.54 seconds
Teran got the ride on Iron Maiden at the end of winter season in 2024 and has already had nine international podium finishes.
“He has a great technique,” said Teran. “He's light off the ground, sensitive and a true modern type but very rideable. He's a fantastic prospect for the big sport. He lets you put him exactly where it's optimal for him to jump clear."
“WHEN I walked the course, I knew we had a really good chance to be in the top 12,” said Teran, who now lives in Wellington home while representing Colombia on the international show jumping stage. “I'm always happy to be back, this is home for me. I have a good string of horses for the year and hope to have a great 2025."
“Wellington is a special spot in the world during the winter," he said. "Any win here is very special, and I'm looking forward to a five star win this year, hopefully.”
The $140,00,0 CSI3* Grand Prix during ‘Saturday Night Lights’ on Saturday, Jan.11 is at 7pm.