Ocala, FL – The stands were packed with eager exhibitors and spectators for the first international grand prix of the 2025 Summer Series: the $75,000 Coca-Cola Beverages Florida Grand Prix CSI2* at World Equestrian Center – Ocala (WEC). Thirty-eight top-level athletes representing 16 countries gave it their all in hopes of taking home the lion’s share of the prize money. In the end, it was Aaron Vale (USA) who piloted his rising star, Helios Du Moulin (Untouchable x Quidam De Revel), to the eight-year-old Selle Français gelding’s first international grand prix victory.
FEI Level III course designer Andy Christiansen of Ecuador set a challenging track for Saturday night’s competition, featuring intricate lines and a tight time allowed. Just seven pairs managed to deliver clear rounds, setting the stage for a high-stakes jump-off featuring riders from the United States, Australia, Ireland, Venezuela, and the Dominican Republic.
“Andy is a great course designer, and I love jumping his tracks,” shared Vale, the pathfinder in the first round. “The time allowed was just tight enough to keep you honest. This track was about reading the fine print—the jumps were just a bit more delicate.”
Returning first for the jump-off, Vale laid down a competitive round with his talented young partner, owned by The Helios Du Moulin Group. “I thought I could do seven strides from one to two, but I ended up taking eight, which slightly left the door open for someone. I maybe could have pushed and tried for it, but I knew I was going to make it if I did eight. After that, I got everything pretty much like I wanted it and got a really nice turn from the liver pool back to the second-to-last vertical. He is only eight, so for him to get so close to what I thought was possible tonight—he was really impressive.”
The pair blazed through the short course in 36.87 seconds—a time no one else could catch.
Speaking about Helios Du Moulin, Vale said, “I bought him as a seven-year-old in France last summer when I was stationed there trying to make the Olympic team. He’s just a wonderful little horse and has come along so quickly. Everything came up great for him, and he really seemed to be in his element.”
Saturday night also marked Helios Du Moulin’s first experience competing under the lights—a milestone Vale was grateful to give the young horse. “It’s a real bonus to get to jump a two-star under the lights with a young horse before he moves up to 1.50m/1.55m. It’s a real test, so to be able to get in this atmosphere at a height where he’s more comfortable is a great experience for him, and we’re just thrilled.”
The win adds to Vale’s current hot streak, which includes international Grand Prix victories at the Devon Horse Show and Upperville. He now heads to Rotterdam for the third leg of the Longines League of Nations™, followed by Aachen, Germany. “I’ve had a good couple of weeks, including this one, so I’m going in with a bit of confidence, and hopefully we can keep it up.”
He’s also looking forward to spending Father’s Day with his 11-year-old daughter, Kinser, who’s already showing a competitive spirit like her parents. “It’s a lot of fun because she loves riding and loves winning. It’s so much fun to watch her,” Vale shared. “She has a few good horses, including my old Grand Prix horse, Elusive. She has quite the ability, and I know she is going to be a superstar when she starts her career.”
Ireland’s Robert Blanchette earned second place aboard Ridersmith LLC’s 11-year-old gelding, Carnlea Premier Balou (Balou Du Rouet x Cavalier Royale), finishing just behind Vale in 37.13 seconds.
Australia’s Maleah Lang McMahon was the only other rider to produce a double-clear effort. She piloted her own 14-year-old New Zealand Sport Horse gelding, Central Park, to a smooth and tidy finish in 41.43 seconds to round out the podium.
National competition resumes Sunday, highlighted by the $50,000 YETI National Grand Prix at 11am in the WEC Grand Arena. Spectators are welcome—admission and parking are free.
$75,000 Coca-Cola Beverages Florida Grand Prix CSI2* Results
1 HELIOS DU MOULIN: 2017 Selle Français gelding by Untouchable x Quidam De Revel
Aaron Vale (USA), The Helios Du Moulin Group: 0/0/36.87
2 CARNLEA PREMIER BALOU: 2014 gelding by Balou Du Rouet x Cavalier Royale
Robert Blanchette (IRL), Ridersmith LLC: 0/0/37.13
3 CENTRAL PARK: 2011 New Zealand Sport Horse gelding by Euro Sport Centavos
Maleah Lang McMahon (AUS), Maleah Lang McMahon: 0/0/41.43
4 DORCHESTER: 2014 Oldenburg mare by London x Toulon
Andrew Welles (USA), Andrew Welles LLC: 0/4/36.73
5 VALDES: 2013 Zangersheide gelding by Vigo D Arsouilles Stx x Ircolando
Antonio Martinez (VEN), Antonio Martinez: 0/4/39.16
6 CASCAIS HC: 2015 mare by Diktator Van De Boslandhoeve x For Pleasure
Juan Bancalari (DOM), Juan Bancalari: 0/8/39.00
7 FLOWER Z: 2013 Zangersheide mare by Farfelu De Muze x Bengale
Olivia Venezio (USA), Vento Farm LLC: 0/8/43.05
8 CONSTANTIN DE HUS: 2012 Selle Français gelding by Ugobak Des Baleines x Creve Coeur
Kyle Dewar (CAN), Kyle Dewar: 1/79.59
9 CORINTHIAN: 2014 KWPN gelding by Verdi Tn
Megan Wexler (USA), Amen Corner Farm, LLC: 2/80.11
10 KINGSTON: 2015 KWPN stallion by Extase x Unaniem
Blythe Karolyi (USA). BK Equestrian LLC: 2/80.21
Explore the daily class schedule, orders of go, class counts, and final results on HorseShowing.com. For real-time scoring, check out Ryegate.Live.
Photos courtesy of Andrew Ryback Photography.
Videos available at ClipMyHorse.TV