|
|
 |
|
Thursday, April 23, 2026
|
|
Landmark Performance for James at Aiken Spring Classic
|
Bermudian equestrian Tyler James enjoyed a transformative week at the Highfields Event Center in South Carolina, marking a series of career milestones at the Aiken Spring Classic Masters Show.
The highlight of the event came through James’ technical evolution alongside his standout mount, Vino Blanco. The pair produced a flawless double-clear round in their first-ever Welcome Stakes Classic, securing an impressive fifth-place finish. That performance served as a springboard for the duo to enter the 1.35–1.40 meter Grand Prix, where they navigated a demanding course against a seasoned field of professional riders to claim tenth place overall.
While the Grand Prix marked a new chapter in his jumping career, James remained a dominant force in the Equitation and Hunter divisions aboard Cruise Control. Consistently delivering scores in the high 80s, the pair demonstrated remarkable rhythm and precision. Their efforts were rewarded with a second-place finish in the Jump Seat Medal Class and a seventh-place finish in the 3.6-foot Performance Hunter Class, further solidifying their reputation for consistency at the regional level.
The week also provided a glimpse into the future as James showcased the development of his young horse, Zero to Sixty. The developing talent showed plenty of scope and speed, securing a victory in the 0.95-meter Jumper Division before following it up with a credible fourth-place finish in the 1.0-meter category.
For James, the breadth of success across multiple disciplines and experience levels represents a significant step forward in his competitive campaign. Having successfully transitioned to the Grand Prix stage, he heads into the remainder of the spring season with considerable momentum and a growing stable of high-performing mounts.
|
|
|
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
|
|
Waldron Secures Podium Finishes in Indiana Return
|
Driver Kiwon Waldron continued his consistent form at Harrah’s Hoosier Park this week, claiming two hard-earned third-place finishes on a competitive night of racing in Indiana.
Waldron, who has become a familiar face on the United States harness racing circuit, demonstrated his tactical versatility across two different Pace Class encounters, ensuring both his mounts featured prominently at the business end of the evening.
In Race 8, Waldron was in the sulky of Tellit Candy. Navigating a swift opening half, he kept the pacer in a prime position to strike as the field turned for home. In a blanket finish, Tellit Candy crossed the line in 1:57.4 to secure the final podium spot, trailing the winner by narrow margins.
The Bermudian was back in the bike for Race 10, this time steering Seven Hundred. In another tactical Pace Class battle, Waldron utilized a patient drive to stay within contention through the final quarters. The pair stopped the clock at a flat 1:58.0, once again crossing the line in third place to cap off a solid night’s work for the island's premier driver.
The dual podium finishes maintain Waldron’s steady momentum at the Anderson-based track as he prepares for a busy spring schedule. With his timing and positioning remaining sharp, a return to the winner’s circle looks to be just around the corner for the talented driver.
|
|
|
Monday, April 20, 2026
|
|
Bardgett & SCAD Secure Historic National Series Title
|
Bermudian equestrian Kayla Bardgett helped rewrite the history books this weekend as the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) were crowned the 2025-26 Tournament of Champions Series winners.
The victory marks SCAD’s first national title of the season and comes during a landmark 35th-anniversary year for the collegiate series. The "Bees" established their dominance early, claiming victory in three of the four major shows across the season to secure the overall series trophy with a record-breaking performance.
For Bardgett, a senior who has been a cornerstone of the SCAD program, the triumph was the culmination of a historic individual campaign. Earlier this year, she was instrumental in the team achieving the first-ever perfect score in the tournament’s three-decade history.
Following the final trophy presentation, an emotional Bardgett took to social media to reflect on the conclusion of her collegiate chapter and her partnership with her horse, Bettina.
"What an incredible way to close out my final time competing at such a challenging, yet unforgettable competition," Bardgett wrote. "Bettina, you gave me absolutely everything and more. I truly couldn’t have asked for a better partner to finish this chapter with. You showed up with so much heart, strength, and fight."
Bardgett was quick to credit the support system that has carried her through her three years at the Savannah-based institution, specifically highlighting coaches Ashley Henry and Sammy Perlman.
"Ashley and Sammy, thank you for the heart you put into me every single day," she added. "For all the behind-the-scenes work, the constant support, and the trust you’ve always had in me, even when I couldn’t find it in myself. I am so incredibly grateful for everything you’ve given me."
The victory in the Tournament of Champions series sets a high bar for the remainder of the postseason. With the IHSA Zone 5 Championship already under their belt, Bardgett and her teammates now turn their attention to the IHSA National Championships, where they will look to add further silverware to a season that has already secured its place in the SCAD history books.
"This team, these people, and these horses have given me more than I could ever put into words," Bardgett concluded. "Saying goodbye to this chapter is so bittersweet, but I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect ending."
|
|
|
Thursday, April 16, 2026
|
|
Waldron Back with Busy Night at Hoosier Park
|
Bermudian driver Kiwon Waldron continued his impressive run of form at Harrah’s Hoosier Park in Indiana, securing two podium finishes during a demanding three-race outing on the trot.
The evening began with a standout performance in the fourth race of the program. Partnering with Wiggy Hill in a competitive Trot Class field, Waldron demonstrated his tactical awareness from the start. The pair challenged for the lead throughout a swift contest, eventually crossing the line in second place. They stopped the clock in a sharp 1:58.2, finishing just a length behind the winner in a display of consistent pace.
Waldron returned to the bike for the seventh race, this time piloting Ima Mess. In a tightly bunched field, he managed to navigate heavy traffic to keep his charge in contention as the field rounded the final turn. Ima Mess showed plenty of grit in the home stretch to secure a third-place finish, recording a time of 2:00.0 and ensuring Waldron’s second podium appearance of the night.
The final appearance of the night came in the twelfth race, where Waldron took the sulky of K-lyn. Despite matching the evening's personal best time of 1:58.2, the intensity of the top-tier field meant the pair found it difficult to break into the lead pack. They eventually crossed the line in seventh place, concluding a productive night for the Bermudian who remains a prominent figure on the Indiana harness racing circuit.
|
|
|
Monday, April 13, 2026
|
|
High Scores Highlight Bermuda Dressage Challenge
|
Bermuda’s National Equestrian Center was the backdrop for a weekend of technical excellence as the island hosted the Regional Caribbean Dressage Challenge alongside a local Mini Dressage fixture.
Under the bright skies at Vesey Street, the discipline of dressage—often described as horse ballet—took center stage. Competitors navigated the rigorous demands of the Regional Caribbean Dressage Challenge, where the partnership between horse and rider is scrutinized by officials for rhythm, suppleness, and accuracy.
In the Junior division of the regional event, Lila Readdy emerged as the standout talent. Riding Edelweiss, Readdy demonstrated a composed performance that earned the pair a winning score of 57.8 percent. Her victory underscores the growing depth of youth talent within the Bermudian equestrian community, proving that the next generation is more than capable of handling the pressure of a regional stage.
The Adult division saw an equally impressive display from Vee McKey. Partnered with Happy Dance, McKey produced a fluid and harmonious test that was reflected in the judges' cards. Their score of 67.4 percent was enough to claim the top spot in the adult category, showcasing the years of preparation required to reach such a high standard of communication in the ring.
However, the headline performance of the weekend came from the local ranks during the Mini Dressage Challenge. Kelsie Carreiro, riding Sunrise Surprise, delivered a masterclass in precision that captivated those in attendance. Carreiro’s performance was not only the peak of the local competition but also represented the highest mark across the entire weekend of racing.
By recording an overall high score of 68.85 percent, Carreiro and Sunrise Surprise claimed the ultimate honors between the two challenges. The result served as a perfect conclusion to a weekend that celebrated the meticulous nature of the sport and the enduring strength of Bermuda’s equestrian programs.
|
|
|
|
