Lucador and Peter Pletcher (Anne Gittins Photography)

Wellington, FL - Peter Pletcher and Lucador claimed victory for the second week in a row in the Fumero Law Pre-Green Level 2 Hunter division during week nine of the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF). The five-year-old Oldenburg gelding, owned by Brian and Sophie Baldwin of Sagamore Farm, dominated day one of competition, winning the under saddle and both over fences classes. Pletcher and Lucador wrapped up the division on day two with a second place finish over fences. Reserve champion honors went to 21-Gun Salute, ridden by Christina Serio and owned by Kendall Sharkey. Serio and 21-Gun Salute were fourth under saddle and sixth and second over fences on day one before finishing day two with first and fifth place ribbons over fences.

Lucador began his show career at the 2013 FTI WEF with Pletcher and has proven his potential as a top competitor. "He's come into his own these last few weeks. He's been champion the last two weeks he's shown in the Pre-Greens," Pletcher commented. "He's a super horse and a talented athlete with a beautiful jump."

Pletcher has helped the gelding settle in to life at the showgrounds, which is no small feat when starting out at the massive grounds of the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC). "At first, he was a little ADD and looked around a bit. Now that he's been here a few weeks, he's really gotten it. He can be looking around but then focus in on the jump and give you an amazing jump, seemingly out of nowhere," Pletcher described.

Lucador's inexperience showed briefly when he jumped a shadow on day two of competition for the division, but overall Pletcher couldn't be happier with the young horse's performance. "He was really good today. The second round he went around really nicely so we were happy," Pletcher smiled.

Pletcher looks forward to continuing to ride Lucador this year.

"He's amazing. He's such a good horse and very, very talented. He jumps as well as any horse at [the FTI WEF]. He has a wonderful jump and is lovely across the ground. He's a gorgeous mover and is beautiful to look at too," he remarked.

Sophie Baldwin was also thrilled with Lucador's early success and is happy to have Pletcher in the irons. "They're two peas in a pod! Peter does such a good job with him. Peter is very smooth and just lets [Lucador] do his thing. He's so fancy and special; he just shines. Peter is the perfect match for him, so we're really happy with the both of them!" Baldwin stated.