Ashlee Bond says farewell to the old and tests out the new Derby Field

Ashlee Bond rode her last round on the Derby Field at Wellington International in style – winning the $10,000  Grand Prix with her upcoming mare Comme Ci Comme Ca, to round out ESP Fall II.

The grass venue has played a significant role in Ashlee’s professional life – it was the backdrop for her career highlight, winning the $500,000 Rolex Grand Prix at the Winter Equestrian Festival in 2022. But next week will be the last for showing on the Derby Field as – with the location slated for development – it will be replaced by a state-of-the art grass field nestled amid the newly developed area of the existing Wellington International showgrounds. 

Ashlee was one of the first riders to sample the facility and gave it the seal of approval. “I’m excited to go to the other grass field. I was able to ride on it a couple of days ago,” she said, having tested the turf with her veteran horse Donatello 141. “And it’s phenomenal – the footing,” she said. “It’s massive. It’s deceptively big and I think it’s gonna be really cool.”

Ashlee and ‘CeCe’ have been maturing their partnership at the existing Derby Field in recent months. “Being here all summer has been a nice step down and just building confidence and getting good rounds,” said Ashlee who finished her jump off on 38.113 seconds with Canada’s Taylor St Jacques and Gold du Rouet claiming second place in a time of 39.072.

“My plan was, I just wanted to kind of see where she was going,” Ashlee said. “She’s so naturally fast. Today in my mind I was riding for second or third. So I wasn’t too crazy on my turns.” The plan was upgraded thanks to the talent of the mare, owned by Agrippina Farms LLC. “She was just perfect,” Ashlee said. “She always delivers.”

At the end of the month, all shows take place at the main Wellington International showgrounds, The new facilities are being prepared for the 2027 winter season, featuring the grass field – construction was completed in October 2025 – and brand new arenas and accommodation for the Global Dressage Festival, which was previously held at the existing Derby Field location.

For Ashlee, the Derby Field has made personal as well as sporting memories. Her daughter Scottie, now 10, has grown up around the venue and featured in many a trophy ceremony. “She would run around and come out for prize givings,” Ashlee said. “I’ve always had very good luck on this field.” Realizing it was the last time she would show on it, brought mixed emotions for Ashlee. “It’s definitely great memories that I will cherish forever. It’s bittersweet for sure,” she said.

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