Abrahamson and Maraca LS La Silla Heat up $5,000 WEC Welcome Stake

*Abrahamson soared to the winner’s circle. Photos courtesy of Winslow Photography*

Wilmington, OH – The first leg of the World Equestrian Center Ohio sizzling summer series kicked off this afternoon in the Sanctuary arena, featuring the $5,000 World Equestrian Center Welcome Stake 1.35m.

Twenty-nine sporty jumpers set the pace for the week by galloping the creative tracks, designed by Bobby Murphy of Lexington, Kentucky. Seven pairs went clear to qualify for the short course.

*Maraca LS La Silla and Kady Abrahamson cleared each jump perfectly. Photos courtesy of Winslow Photography.*

Kady Abrahamson brought the heat, riding Maraca LS La Silla (Quintero La Silla x Marimba La Silla), a 15-year-old Mexican Sport Horse to another World Equestrian Center win. Of the seven riders who cleared round one, four jumped double clear, but none could outperform team Abrahamson Equestrian from Georgetown, Kentucky, who delivered a clean qualifying ride in 77.001 seconds.

*Team AE celebrated the top honoring win. Photos courtesy of Winslow Photography.*

Maraca LS La Silla has secured numerous top placings and wins at both World Equestrian Center venues. “This mare loves to be here, and this was her first time competing since winning the last Grand Prix at WEC over a month ago. We all have so much fun at WEC and enjoy the facility. After the show yesterday, a group of us went to the local county fair to watch the rodeo. We drew inspiration from the cowboys! If they can do that, we can do this!” mentioned Abrahamson.

The pair advanced directly into the jump-off, rounding the course with speed and precision to secure a winning time of 38.893 seconds.

*Summer Hill soared to second and third place on the leaderboard. Photos courtesy of Winslow Photography.*

Summer Hill filled the second and third place slots riding La Belle SCF (Diktator Van De Boslandhoeve x Belle Blue S) and Gabravo respectively. Hill and La Belle SCF were careful to stay under the time allowed of 78 seconds, stopping the clock at 76.634 seconds in round one and 39.110 seconds in round two for second place honors.

*Gabravo left all rails untouched for a third place finish. Photos courtesy of Winslow Photography.*

Rounding out the top three, Hill piloted Gabravo to a speedy 74.818-second ride in the qualifier, returning only seconds later to race over the finish line at 42.24 seconds.

$5,000 WEC Welcome Stake Results: