Ocala, FL – Week IX of the 2024 Winter Spectacular Show Series saw some new faces gracing the winner’s circle. Lillie Keenan (USA) had a wonderful week of wins in the $50,000 MARS Equestrian National Grand Prix, $15,000 1.45m Two Phase Special CSI3* and $15,000 1.45m Jumper Classic. Molly Ashe Cawley and Berdien emerged victorious in the $35,000 The Dutta Corporation Grand Prix Qualifier CSI3*, while Aaron Vale clinched his first grand prix victory of the series aboard Prescott in the $100,000 MARS Equestrian Grand Prix CSI3*. Samantha Schaefer, a familiar name during Hunter Derby Friday, secured another triumph with In The Know in the $20,000 Golden Ocala 3’6”-3’9” Hunter Derby. Dive in for more exciting highlights from the week.
On Sunday morning, Lillie Keenan (USA), riding McLain Ward’s Lezaro, delivered the sole double clear effort to clinch victory in the $50,000 MARS Equestrian National Grand Prix.
“I brought some of my greener horses in my string to compete this week. I have a few older ones that I can always count on, but I need to start to support them with some younger ones. I brought three stallions, and the horse I won on today belongs to McLain Ward. He’s a gelding that has already won everything with McLain and I am very lucky to have some fun with him.”
In the highly anticipated $100,000 MARS Equestrian Grand Prix CSI3*, an elite lineup of the world’s best Jumping athletes competed for the top prize, but it was Aaron Vale who claimed the well-deserved victory aboard Prescott.
“[Prescott] actually grabbed a shoe landing, and I wasn’t sure what was happening, but for three or four strides he was scrambling. By the time everything cleared, the next oxer was going to be really long, but I had to win the class, so I took it. Then I was able to be patient to the combination, and after we landed that, I could just let his speed do the rest.”
Only two competitors achieved a double-clear effort in the $15,000 Buckeye Nutrition Futures Prix, with Devin Ryan (USA) marking the fastest time aboard his new partner, Cenccon PS.
“Just from riding him in one class the other day, I knew he had a very big step. So, I worked on using his length of stride to my advantage. I think he’s going to be an incredible horse and for sure a grand prix horse in the future.”
Samantha Schaefer and her mount In The Know once again showcased their dominance in the $20,000 Golden Ocala 3’6”-3’9” Hunter Derby. Schaefer piloted the 15-year-old Warmblood gelding through two flawless rounds, securing top scores in both.
“I didn’t want to go too crazy in the handy. There were maybe one or two places where I could have been a little neater, but I was thinking about the week XII derby, so I decided to just come out here and give him another solid round. He did give a little bit of sass to the last jump, but he was still perfect.”
The victorious duo of Friday morning turned out to be Amanda Steege and Tangelina, who delivered two remarkable rounds of 95 and 88 in the $15,000 UF Veterinary Hospital USHJA National 3’ Open Hunter Derby.
“There were so many horses that had good handies, there wasn’t really any room for me to keep it safe. Most of the top five or six all did the same track, which had some pretty hard inside turns. After the oxer to the trot fence was tricky and even the turn to the last jump was harder than it looked.”
Forty-eight talented junior and amateur athletes competed for top honors in the $15,000 USHJA National 3’ Jr/Am Hunter Derby, but it was Maddie Tosh who guided her new partner Cerano to their second consecutive victory.
“I think he jumped better out there than he might of last week in Hunter 1. I think he’s the type of horse that really shines under pressure in an atmosphere like that. He jumped amazing. He had great rhythm and balance. I didn’t really even have to touch my reins out there. During the handy I knew I could call on him, because he just felt amazing.”
Lillie Keenan (USA) and McLain Ward’s Lezaro also snagged the top spot in the $15,000 Two Phase Special CSI3* with a quick time of 32.95 seconds in the speed phase.
Molly Ashe Cawley (USA) and her longtime partner Berdien galloped away with the winning title in the $35,000 The Dutta Corporation Grand Prix Qualifier CSI3*.
“This place is amazing. I can’t say enough nice things about it. It’s a breath of fresh air and a treat that somebody has gone above and beyond our wildest dreams building a facility. It’s nice to be here and be a part of it from the beginning.”
Simon McCarthy (IRL) piloted Gotcha to the swiftest round for a win in his WEC – Ocala debut in the $5,000 1.45m Speed CSI3*.
“Catsy Cruz is one of my favorite course designers. I won my first international grand prix when she was designing, so she has a soft place in my heart. She’s brilliant, everything flowed really nice, and this ring is unbelievable.”
Kama Godek (USA) secured the top position aboard her own mount, Lady Stakkata, in the 1.40m Speed CSI3*.
“I’ve had her for a year and half. I’ve actually never asked her to go fast, she’s just naturally quick. She’s uncomplicated and every question I’ve ever asked of her, she’s always answered yes.”
Additional Highlights:
Lillie Keenan (USA) also secured the $15,000 1.45m Jumper Classic victory aboard Chansonette Farm LLC’s Opium Jw Van De Moerhoeve Tn.
Rodrigo Lambre (BRA) claimed the top spot on the leaderboard in the $15,000 THIS 1.40m Jumper Classic aboard his own For Follow.
Susannah Morrell and High Meadow Equestrian LLC’s Mr. Right won the $2,000 USHJA Pony Hunter Derby with an overall score of 166.
Weezie Respess piloted her own Contento Vdb Z to first place in the $3,500 2’6” Non Pro Child Hunter Derby.
In the $3,500 2’6” Non Pro Adult Hunter Derby, Romayne Smith Fullerton prevailed on Elizabeth Bailey’s Acido 7.
Congratulations to all exhibitors on another fantastic week of horse showing!
Visit HorseShowing.com for final results.
Spectators are welcome! From now until March 24, 2024, experience the thrill of the 2024 Winter Spectacular Show Series at World Equestrian Center – Ocala. Explore the daily class schedule, orders of go, class counts, and final results on HorseShowing.com. For real-time scoring, check out Ryegate.Live.
A limited number of weekly stalls remain for the 2024 Winter Spectacular Show Series, book your stall today!
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