Daniel Geitner and Jalanne Take the Win in the $40,000 Mane n’ Tail Grand Prix

*^{Daniel Geitner and Jalanne winning the $40,000 Mane n’ Tail Grand Prix. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.}*

Ocala, FL – World Equestrian Center – Ocala hosted its second featured event on Sunday afternoon, welcoming 26 horse-and-rider combinations to contest the $40,000 Mane ‘n Tail Grand Prix. In a thrilling finish, Daniel Geitner (USA) and November Hill’s Jalanne (Dynamo x Alanne) delivered a lightning-fast round to claim victory, stopping the clock nearly two seconds ahead of the competition.

Course designer Colm Quinn (IRL) set a technical track, with only five pairs managing to jump clear within the tight time allowed.

*^{Charlie Jones and Montserrat OS jumping to third place. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.}*

Jenna Friedman-Lopez (ISR) and Valesca were the first to return for the jump-off, setting the early time to beat at 39.107 seconds. Charlie Jones (GBR) and Stone Ridge Farms LLC’s 10-year-old AES gelding Montserrat OS (Care For x Dame De Pic De Septon) quickly upped the ante in 36.768 seconds.

*^{Daniel Geitner and Jalanne. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.}*

Geitner entered the ring next aboard Jalanne, an 11-year-old KWPN mare, determined to take the lead. “I don’t ever have to touch the gas pedal, just release the brakes slightly. She has so much energy and fight and desire,” he shared. “Charlie was quick, so I knew what I needed to do. You can’t beat who comes after you, so for me, he was the one to beat. Jalanne was just game—she was on it and ready to roll.”

With an electrifying performance, the pair never let off the pace, surging through the timers in an untouchable 34.738 seconds.

^{Daniel Geitner and Jalanne accepting first-place honors at WEC – Ocala, presented by Jim Wolf of World Equestrian Center, Devon Katzev, President of Straight Arrow Products, Mane ‘n Tail, and Ashlyn Flanagan, Vice President of Straight Arrow Products, Mane ‘n Tail. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.}

Geitner reflected on his strategy: “The first line walked a continuing eight and it came up perfect for me. Then I think everyone did seven after the double. In the last line, it’s called a ‘WEC eight,’ which means it’s really a nine, but the footing is so good that everyone can easily do the eight. I didn’t think I needed to do the seven, but in hindsight, I probably could have,” he laughed.

*^{Morgane Qualls and Favorite D’armanville flying to second place. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.}*

Morgane Qualls (USA) came the closest to catching Geitner, piloting the 10-year-old Selle Français mare Favorite D’armanville (Cap Kennedy x Toscane D’armanville) to a swift 36.485-second finish, securing second place.

$40,000 Mane n’ Tail Grand Prix Results

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

Make sure to visit the WEC Blog and follow us on social media @worldequestriancenter for full coverage on all feature classes! Plan your stay at World Equestrian Center – Ocala.