Ocala, FL – Week VI of World Equestrian Center – Ocala’s 2022 USEF Summer Series was memorable as Santiago Lambre secured back-to-back wins in the $30,000 C. Jarvis Insurance Welcome Prix and took home the lion’s share of prize money during Saturday night’s $100,000 Hampton Green Farm National Grand Prix. Maria Rasmussen landed double derby wins in the $12,500 WEC Ocala 3’6″-3’9″ Hunter Derby and $10,000 WEC Ocala 3′ Open Hunter Derby. Read on for additional highlights from the week.
Watch Santiago Lambre and Kristen Vanderveen race for the win in a competitive 13 horse jump-off. Ultimately it was Santiago Lambre and All In Horses Cava that celebrated the well-earned victory!
Santiago Lambre (BRA) and All In Horses and Jan L. De Waard’s All In Horses Cava swept Saturday night’s $100,000 Hampton Green Farm National Grand Prix, besting 50 other top competitors.
“I really wanted this win. I knew what I had to do and All In Horses Cava is an extremely fast horse. I focused on riding every jump, but I couldn’t go too fast and risk a rail, because I have a tendency of doing that,” laughed Lambre. “He is so naturally quick I was able to gallop around the course and I even added a stride to the last jump.”
Ansgar Holtgers Jr. (USA) and Kennedy Z topped the $10,000 Buckeye Nutrition Futures Prix.
“My parents bred him. He is an amazing horse. He has been ridden by many skilled riders as a young horse. Just this year I began riding him, which means a lot to me because he is homebred. This was probably my sixth or seventh show with him and he as been doing so well. After Summer Series we will head to Germany until it’s time to come back for the winter circuit.”
Maria Rasmussen proved invincible securing first and second in the $12,500 WEC Ocala 3’6”-3’9” Hunter Derby.
“The course designer gave us some great options in the handy that really allowed us to show our horses off. The jumps were pretty big today, so I was a bit nervous, which I usually never am, but the horses ended up jumping so well, it all worked out.”
Maria Rasmussen started her Friday with a victory in the $10,000 WEC Ocala 3’ Open Hunter Derby aboard SVF James.
“He’s currently a Pre-Green horse. We have been preparing for the Incentive Hunter Finals. He has so much scope and he’s so brave, I think he’s going to be an incredible Junior Hunter. He tries super hard and loves his job.”
Lilly French and Calrissian rose to the top in the $10,000 WEC Ocala 3’ Jr/Am Hunter Derby.
“I have been riding Calrissian since March. This is our fourth show together, I started showing him in the beginning of Summer Series. He is so much fun. I am so lucky to be able to ride and show him. It’s a privilege to be able to ride a horse like him. He’s so brave and gives you his all every time he steps in the ring.”
Santiago Lambre (BRA) scored his second consecutive $30,000 C. Jarvis Insurance Welcome Prix victory, this time aboard All In Horses Cava.
“He is a super competitive and brave horse. He has won a few FEI classes already. He loves this venue and tends to really show his speed in that arena. Even if you add strides in the jump-off, he is so naturally quick it doesn’t matter. I think he is going to do some big classes in the future. He will do the Saturday night grand prix this week and hopefully some FEI grands prix soon.”
Week VI also showcased the $10,000 1.40m Jumper Classic, where Juan Carlos Garcia (ITA) and Quentin VA flew to the first place spot.
“He is an incredible horse. He continues to get better and better with each class. In the next two weeks, I hope to do some bigger classes and progress.”
Anna Ensor and Wendy Arndt’s Macaroni claimed the top prize in the $2,000 WEC Ocala Pony/Children’s Pony Hunter Derby.
Porter Tobin and Lee Ann Ewing’s Kentucky Ter Doorn conquered the $3,500 WEC Ocala 2’6” Non Pro Hunter Derby, besting 28 other competitors.
Congratulations to all competitors on another great week of competition!
Photos courtesy of Andrew Ryback Photography.
Videos available at ClipMyHorse.TV