Ocala, FL – The $40,000 1.45m Two Phase Special CSI3* closed out competition on Friday as 23 elite athletes competed over an intricate two-phase track designed by FEI Level III course designer Andy Christiansen (ECU). Aaron Vale (USA) and Thinkslikeahorse’s Elusive (Rodrigoo x Capfucino) set an uncatchable pace early on in the order to ultimately earn the victory.
Nine nations were represented in the class with the United States, Venezuela, Canada, Australia, Austria and Columbia all delivering fault-free rounds. Competition was fierce with the top three placings separated by less than one second.
Second in the order, Aaron Vale and the 14-year-old KWPN gelding delivered a seamless effort through fences one through six. The pair landed off the of the UF Health vertical and kicked into high gear, finishing the speed portion at an unbeatable 30.06 seconds.
“I had a simple plan, go fast, leave the jumps up and try to win the class,” laughed Vale.
Vale is excited to have more international competition at World Equestrian Center – Ocala, “It’s great to be able to qualify for international teams and gain FEI points all while I am able to sleep in my own bed at night,” said Vale.
“Having such a slate of classes with great prize money gives you a bit of a different mindset. You have to use your horses a little differently and there is a bit more strategy that goes into planning. It’s enjoyable and I am looking forward to having more international events here at World Equestrian Center.”
Luis Larrazabal (VEN) and the 13-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare Belle De Muze (Pensee V x Lando) were right on their tail, stopping the clock at 30.56 seconds to slide into second place.
Third place was tied between Kaitlin Campbell (USA) and SWS Training and Sale’s Palina De L’esaut (Perigueux x Gardeulan) and Aaron Vale (USA) and Thinkslikeahorse’s I. Adermie R 4 (Den Ham Blue R x Namelus R). Both pairings were electric in the speed phase, halting the timers at 30.66 seconds for a tie.
International competition continues tomorrow with the $150,000 IDA Development Grand Prix CSI3* at 7pm in the WEC Grand Arena. Spectators are encouraged to come out and cheer on their favorite athletes! There is no charge for admission or parking.
If you are unable to attend in person, catch the class via live stream on ClipMyHorse.
Final Results: $40,000 FEI CSI3* 1.45m Two Phase Special
1 ELUSIVE: 2009 KWPN gelding by Rodrigoo x Capfucino
Aaron Vale (USA), Thinkslikeahorse: 0/0/30.06
2 BELLE DE MUZE: 2010 Belgian Warmblood by Ponsee V x Lando
Luis Larrazabal (VEN), Driss Ngadi: 0/0/30.56
T3 PALINA DE L’ESCAUT: 2009 Hanoverian mare by Perigueux x Gardeulan
Kaitlin Campbell (USA), SWS Training & Sales: 0/0/30.66
T3 I.ADERMIE R 4: 2013 KWPN mare by Den Ham Blue R x Namelus R
Aaron Vale (USA), Thinkslikeahorse: 0/0/30.66
5 COQUELICOT VH HEUVELLAND Z: 2012 Zangersheide stallion by Catoki x Cassini II
Sean Jobin (CAN), Foxridge Farms Stables: 0/32.65
6 CENCORINUE PS: 2014 Oldenburg gelding by Centadel x Chacarina
Scott Keach (AUS), Kandor Farm LLC: 0/0/36.43
7 BULL RUN’S PRINCE OF PEACE: 2009 Holsteiner gelding by Cardenio 2 x Contender
Peter Petschenig (AUT), Petschenig Showjumping LLC: 0/0/37.15
8 LE ROI: 2008 AWO gelding by Leroy x Balou Du Rouet
Juan Pablo Gnecco (COL), Juan Pablo Gnecco: 0/0/37.33
9 IBALIUS SMH: 2013 KWPN gelding by Everglade VDL x Burggraaf NV
Tom Foley (IRL), Sher Al Farm: 1/0/34.09
10 CYRAMO Z: 2011 Zangersheide mare by Clarimo x Vigo D Arsouilles STX
Jacqueline Ruyle (USA), Jacqueline Ruyle: 0/4/29.97
11 HAYDN: 2012 Dutch Warmblood gelding by Zambesi TN x Kojak
Quintyn Baeumier (CAN), Quintyn Baeumier: 4/0/33.03
12 QUENTIN VA: 2013 Holsteiner gelding by Quarz x Cash and Carry
William Simpson (USA), Two Socks Farm LLC: 0/4/33.15
For final results visit HorseShowing.com or Ryegate.Live.
Photos courtesy of Andrew Ryback Photography.
Videos available at ClipMyHorse.TV