CIAN O’Connor claimed the Overall Leading International Rider Award, presented by Martha W. Jolicoeur of Douglas Elliman together with Michael and Wendy Smith, at the conclusion of the 2024 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in Wellington, Florida.

A Leading International Rider Award was presented each week to the rider who earned the most points based on performances in that week’s WEF Challenge Cup and featured Grand Prix event. Surprisingly, O’Connor did not win any of the weekly awards, but his consistent performances throughout the 12-week circuit earned him a total of 862 points and the Overall Leading International Rider title.

“We had an incredible winter in Florida,” said O’Connor, who has based himself in Wellington, Florida, for many winter seasons. “The horses performed really well and that is thanks to all of their owners: Sue and John Magnier, Sarah Stoute, Nikki Walker, and Pat Crean.

“All our horses jumped outstandingly, and I was delighted to have won the title of Leading International Rider of the WEF circuit.

Cian O’Connor, pictured aboard Fancy de Kergane, won the Overall Leading International Rider Award, presented by Martha W Jolicoeur together with Michael and Wendy Smith, following consistent performances throughout the 2024 Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington \ Sportfot

“All credit must go to the brilliant team behind the scenes, from everybody in the stable who puts in the hard work day in and day out, to all of my support staff, and everybody else who contributes to the Karlswood team,” continued O’Connor. “I am extremely grateful to each and every one of them.”