Ocala, FL– The final week of hunter/jumper competition in 2023 came to an exhilarating close. In the grand finale of 2023, Luis Sabino Goncalves (POR) and Scoop De Septon Z took the win in the $150,000 Florida Coast Equipment Grand Prix CSI3* and stood atop the podium. Josh Dolan and Something Blue scored their third $12,500 Golden Ocala 3’6”-3’9” Hunter Derby win, and Alvaro Enrique Tejada Arriola (GUA) captured the last victory of the year in the $50,000 Florida Coast Equipment National Grand Prix.
Alvaro Enrique Tejada Arriola (GUA) and his mount Jellyton Pb emerged victorious in the $50,000 Florida Coast Equipment National Grand Prix.
“In the first round, I got a bit lucky because I had a few rubs, but she was trying really hard for me. Coming back for the jump-off, I was confident because she’s always been a very fast horse.”
Luis Sabino Goncalves (POR) stood atop the podium claiming the top prize in the $150,000 Florida Coast Equipment Grand Prix CSI3*.
“There weren’t too many in the jump-off, but it was a tough group. I needed to add the pressure and take the risk. If I were to do a nice clear round, the next rider would be faster. So, I decided to go for it, take the risks and ‘Scoop’ was game,” shared Goncalves about his jump-off plan.
Maya Denis (MEX) and Callypso De La Hamente Z earned the win in the $15,000 Buckeye Nutrition Futures Prix.
“I was able to watch a lot of people, and they were so fast. A lot opted to do the inside turn to the yellow vertical, but knowing how effective he is on the ground, I decided to go around and keep moving – thankfully it paid off!”
Sharn Wordley (NZL) and Mick Jagger had the moves to win the $40,000 1.45m Two Phase Special CSI3*.
“This particular course suited him really well. He went quite fast last night in the jump-off, so I was able to use the first part of the course to add some steps and slow him down. In the speed portion, there was nothing to really slow down for, so I could just let him gallop around.”
In the $12,500 Golden Ocala 3’6”-3’9” Hunter Derby, Josh Dolan and Something Blue earned the blue and galloped away with the victory.
“This is his first show back since Derby Finals. I was really happy with him. Our original plan was to save him for circuit, but it was a light week, so we decided to pull him out and it was a great decision.”
Jennifer Jones and Lincoln secured the $10,000 UF Veterinary Hospital USHJA National 3’ Open Hunter Derby win.
“Lincoln walked into the arena for the first time and did not even bat an eye. He is a really fun horse to ride; he is brave, quiet, and has a lot of jump.”
Augusta Iwasaki and Small Love took top honors in the $10,000 USHJA National 3’ Jr/Am Hunter Derby.
“The open ring and a course like this really suits her. It gives me the opportunity to show off her spectacular jump. It is really nice to have the opportunity to gallop around and enjoy the course.”
Todd Minikus (USA) and Amex Z were unstoppable in the $50,000 LeMieux Grand Prix Qualifier CSI3*.
“She jumped great in the first round, but it’s never an advantage to go first in the jump-off,” he said. “I didn’t really have a plan. I go with what I can see before I can count, so I never worry about the numbers. I am more of a feel rider than a counter.”
Rowan Willis (AUS) and Wellington Grey Goose prevailed in Wednesday’s $40,000 1.45m Speed CSI3*.
“’Goose’ has been such a great horse to me. When she’s having a good day, she’s a very fast horse, and it happened to be her day.”
David Cameron (AUS) and Beijing Ls La Silla snagged the win in the $6,000 1.40m Speed CSI3* with a time of 58.85 seconds.
“I wasn’t even going to go fast, but the beauty of being late in the order, you are able to see what others have done. At that point, no one went that quick, so when I walked in, I said, ‘I might as well.’ It suits him anyway and I knew it would only help him jump better in the next class.”
Despite some bad weather over the weekend, World Equestrian Center – Ocala was able to shift all classes indoors. The $10,000 THIS 1.40m Jumper Classic may have saw a change of scenery, but the victor remained constant, with Steven Bluman (ISR) clinching his second consecutive win aboard Biblou Du Perron.
Beth Ford Estey and her own Commodore conquered the $3,500 WEC Ocala 2’6” Non Pro Hunter Derby, besting 24 other competitors.
Siena Zorrilla and As You Wish found the $2,000 USHJA Pony Hunter Derby victory with an overall score of 150.
Congratulations to all competitors on a wonderful circuit! We can’t wait to see everyone back in 2024 for another incredible year of equestrian sport.