Wellington International details $6.5M in upgrades, bigger purses and 2027 stadium target
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Summary
Wellington International representatives told the Equestrian Preserve Committee they invested about $6.5 million in facilities and hospitality, raised prize purses (including a $1,000,000 finale) and aim to open a new stadium for 2027 if required county and village permits are obtained.
Murray Kessler, of Wellington International, and Michael Stone briefed the Equestrian Preserve Committee on Jan. 7 on upgrades, sponsorships and a timeline for a new stadium.
Kessler said Wellington International's strategy is to —keep Wellington International the premier horse sports destination in the world for generations to come.— He credited infrastructure work, improved hospitality and a marketing push for a rise in ticket sales and overall revenues. Kessler said ticket sales rose about 59 percent over the prior year in some periods and overall revenues grew roughly 5 percent year-over-year.
The presentation listed about $6.5 million spent this past summer on site improvements: new footing in the international arena and schooling areas, renovated FEI barns, repaired tent wash stalls and manure pits, drainage fixes, new fencing, upgraded kitchens and new stadium lighting that supports production and night shows. Kessler said those changes reduced dust and mud dramatically and that Palm Beach Equine Clinic reported a large drop in respiratory cases for arriving horses.
Kessler announced increased prize money to help attract top riders: three $500,000 Grand Prix events and a $1,000,000 finale. He said Modon is a new minority investor and a major sponsor supporting prize increases and international marketing; the organization was described in the presentation as Modon Holdings, a hospitality and events investor.
On new facilities, Kessler outlined an ambitious schedule: permanent FEI barns have foundation work completed, several rings are finished and the remaining Grand Prix ring and one schooling area are being completed; larger underground utility work and permits are the remaining major items. He said the goal is to open portions of the new facility for the 2027 season but that the timeline depends on county, village and state permits.
The presentation also covered communications and animal-health protocols: staff said they issued a rapid notice after a recent equine herpes virus report and clarified the incident involved EHV-4, not EHV-1, and that the horse later tested clean.
Committee members asked about permits, village support, traffic and cell coverage. Kessler and staff said they are coordinating with county and village officials and that village and county permits are both required. Staff also described upgrades to Wi-Fi on the grounds and installation of AI-enabled stall cameras intended to monitor horse behavior and alert owners to unusual events.
The committee did not take formal action on the presentation. Staff said they will continue coordination with permitting agencies and keep the committee apprised of milestones for underground utilities and stadium buildout.
