WATCH US GROW Gift
Cards
This week at WEC Calendar Icon
World Equestrian Center logo World Equestrian Center logo
  • Ocala
    • Order Feed & Bedding
    • Equestrian Events
      • Spectators
      • Shows
        • Summer Series
        • 2025 Dressage
        • May Day Barrel Bonanza
        • Winter Spectacular
        • WEC Premier Cup
        • Orange Blossom Classic & A Sudden Impulse
      • Members and Exhibitors
        • Forms
        • Prize List
        • Membership Directory
        • Points Issue
        • Standings
        • Results
        • Horses
      • Volunteers
    • Live Stream
    • Conventions
      • Conventions Photo Gallery
    • Sporting Events
      • Canine Shows
      • Sports at WEC
    • Visit
      • Stay
      • Shop
      • Dine
      • Golf Cart Rental
      • Resort Spa
      • Things to do in Ocala, FL
    • Social Events
      • Catering Menus
      • Social Events Gallery
    • Real Estate
    • Facilities
      • Expo Centers
      • Arenas
      • Stabling
      • Veterinary Hospital
      • UF Health
      • Chapel
      • Request for Proposal Form – Ocala, Florida
    • Sponsors
      • Be a Sponsor
    • Vendors
    stay-with-us-lgBtn
  • Wilmington
    • Equestrian Events
      • Spectators
      • Shows
        • Winter in the Midwest
        • WEC Premier Cup
        • Spring & Summer Series
        • Fall Classic Series
        • Midwest Indoors
        • Standlee® Summer Schooling Show Series
      • Members and Exhibitors
        • Standings
        • Forms
        • Membership Directory
        • Results
    • Facilities
      • Stabling
      • Arenas
      • Host an Event
    • Visit
      • Dining
      • Shop
      • Dragonfly Academy
      • Chapel
    • Live Stream
    • Stay
      • Things to do in Wilmington, OH
    • Sponsors
      • Be a Sponsor
    • Vendors
      • Vendor Application
    HomenAway
  • Events
    • Stirrups Wine Series
    • Ocala Food & Wine Fest
    • Longines League of Nations™
    • Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Ocala
    • Ocala Winter Wonderland
  • Contact
  • About
    • FAQ
      • Ocala
      • Wilmington
    • Careers
      • Ocala
      • Wilmington
  • News
  • Media
    • Media Accreditation Form
  • Worship
WATCH US GROW Gift Cards
This week at WEC Calendar Icon

WEC / News / Ocala, FL / Ilan Bluman and Acajou Are Victorious in the $200,000 Armed Services Grand Prix CSI4*, presented by the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation

Ilan Bluman and Acajou Are Victorious in the $200,000 Armed Services Grand Prix CSI4*, presented by the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation

02 Feb 25 | Shows
Ilan Bluman and Acajou winning the $200,000 Armed Services Grand Prix CSI4*, presented by the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.

Ocala, FL – World Equestrian Center – Ocala celebrated 250 years of the United States Marine Corps with the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, setting the stage for an unforgettable night of tribute and top sport at the $200,000 Armed Services Grand Prix CSI4*, presented by the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation. The night kicked off with parachuters soaring into the arena, a special appearance by the U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard, and the Caisson Horses, creating an electric atmosphere. Athletes representing 12 nations took to the WEC Grand Arena, but it was Ilan Bluman (COL) and his own Acajou (Casallco x Chico’s Boy) who rose to the occasion and galloped away with the victory.

Ilan Bluman and Acajou flying to first in the WEC Grand Arena. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.

FEI Level IV course designer Leopoldo Palacios (VEN) and FEI Level III course designer Peter Grant (CAN) set an impressive track that challenged the field. Just four combinations managed to find a path to a clear first round, setting up a thrilling jump-off featuring 2024 Olympic Gold Medalist Christian Kukuk (GER), accomplished U.S. rider Hunter Holloway, ‘Master of Faster’ Richard Spooner (USA), and the lightning-fast Ilan Bluman.

Reflecting on the first-round course, Richard Spooner praised Palacios’ design: “I am a huge fan of Leopoldo’s. I have been my whole career. Leopoldo makes you think; he keeps you on your toes. There is always something you have to ruminate about. Tonight, the track was careful and kept you on your game the entire time.”

Christian Kukuk and Just Be Gentle flying to second place. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.

World No. 7 Christian Kukuk was the first to post a clear round aboard Beerbaum Stables GMBH’s 11-year-old KWPN mare, Just Be Gentle (Tyson x Ticallux Verte), making the technical course look effortless. First to return for the jump-off, Kukuk delivered an efficient, fault-free round in 41.95 seconds. Pleased with his performance, he shared his thoughts on the mare and his plans for the upcoming Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Ocala: “I could have taken a few more risks, but I didn’t want to go crazy today. My plan is to come back here for the five-star. She saw the ring, she got used to everything because it is quite impressive when you come here the first time. But tonight, I am very happy with my result.”

Hunter Holloway and Henry Jota Ariel gave it their all but incurred two unfortunate rails, crossing the timers in 41.74 seconds.

Richard Spooner and Lyjanair rounding out the podium. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.

Richard Spooner followed aboard his newer mount, Lyjanair (Lyjanero x Coriano), a 11-year-old Holsteiner gelding owned by Show Jumping Syndications Int’l. Attempting an incredibly tight rollback to fence two, he couldn’t quite get there, resulting in a four-fault score and a time of 50.72 seconds.

As the final rider in the jump-off, Bluman aimed to snatch victory from Kukuk. “I wanted to go fast. I wanted to be efficient from one to two, then gallop to three and gallop to the oxer. I was able to protect her a little more to the double. Coming to the last one, there was no other option—I had to keep going forward. She’s a quick horse, and I knew I was going to be fast.”

Bluman and Acajou soared over the final oxer, stopping the clock in a mere 39.24 seconds to secure the win.

Ilan Bluman and Acajou accepting their first-place awards from Mason Jordan on behalf of the Roberts Family, Major General James W. Lukeman, USMC (Ret.), representing the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, and Jim Wolf of World Equestrian Center. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.

Speaking about his longtime partnership with the 10-year-old German Sport Horse mare, Bluman shared, “I bought this mare as a six-year-old. She’s now 10, so I know her pretty well. It’s been a long way to come to this level, but I think right now, she’s in a really good position. She’s a winner—she’s fast, she’s careful, she’s focused. I am really happy with her.”

Watch Ilan Bluman and Acajou win the jump-off.

$200,000 Armed Services Grand Prix CSI4*, presented by the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation Results 

1 ACAJOU: 2015 German Sport Horse mare by Casallco x Chico’s Boy 
Ilan Bluman (COL), Ilan Bluman: 0/0/39.24 

2 JUST BE GENTLE: 2014 KWPN mare by Tyson x Ticallux Verte 
Christian Kukuk (GER), Beerbaum Stables GMBH: 0/0/41.95 

3 LYJANAIR: 2014 Holsteiner gelding by Lyjanero x Coriano 
Richard Spooner (USA), Show Jumping Syndications Int’l: 0/4/50.72 

4 HENRY JOTA ARIEL: 2015 Argentinian Sport Horse mare by Picadilly Tame x Casparo 
Hunter Holloway (USA), Hays Investment Corp.: 0/8/41.74 

5 DHALIDA: 2014 Zangersheide mare by Diamant De Semilly x Calvaro 
Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA), Artemis Equestrian Farm LLC: 4/74.39 

6 ELECTRIQUE: 2014 Zangersheide mare by Emerald x Voltaire 
Tiffany Foster (CAN), 5 Roosters: 4/75.21 

7 CARISSIMO 25: 2013 Holsteiner gelding by Cascadello x Clinton 
Aaron Vale (USA), The Carissimo Group: 4/76.45 

8 BE SKY HAWK: 2016 Warmblood gelding by Golden Hawk x Harlequin Du Carel 
Michael Duffy (IRL), G Sporthorses Limited Partnership: 4/76.80  

9 CANDY LUCK Z: 2015 Zangersheide mare by Comme Il Faut 5 x Canturo 
Alessandra Volpi (USA), Cedar Fox LLC: 4/76.89 

T10 NAIROBI: 2015 Oldenburg mare by Casallco x Landadel 
Elizabeth Madden (USA), Abigail Wexner: 4/78.83 

T10 KEMINKO N: 2015 KWPN gelding by Grand Slam  
Will Simpson (USA), Will Simpson Stables Inc.: 4/78.83 

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.

Post navigation

Previous: Gallagher Sweeps Grand Prix at World Equestrian Center – Ocala January CDI3* Show
Next: Wilmington Sunday Spotlight: Hannah Naftal

Recent Posts

  • A Sudden Impulse; Saturday, April 26 Feature Class Highlights 
    |  Shows
    Read
  • A Sudden Impulse; Friday, April 25 Featured Class Highlights
    |  Results
    Read
  • A Sudden Impulse; Thursday, April 24 Featured Class Highlights
    |  Shows
    Read
  • A Sudden Impulse; Wednesday, April 23 Featured Class Highlights
    |  Shows
    Read
  • Sports at WEC Indoor Soccer Programs Kick Off This May at World Equestrian Center – Ocala 
    |  Ocala, FL
    Read
  • Orange Blossom Classic; Sunday, April 20 Featured Class Highlights
    |  Shows
    Read
  • Orange Blossom Classic; Saturday, April 19 Featured Class Highlights
    |  Shows
    Read
  • Orange Blossom Classic: Friday, April 18 Featured Class Highlights
    |  Shows
    Read
  • Orange Blossom Classic; Thursday, April 17 Featured Class Highlights 
    |  Shows
    Read
  • The Equestrian Manor at WEC – Ocala Introduces Stunning New Venues and Restaurants This Fall
    |  Ocala, FL
    Read

Categories

  • Magazine Issues
  • Shows
  • Ocala Construction
  • Uncategorized
  • Results
  • Ocala, FL
  • Equestrian News
  • Wilmington, OH
  • Facilities
  • Sponsors
  • Equestrian
  • Featured
  • Conventions & Trade shows
  • Weddings
  • Sports
  • Canine
  • News Releases
  • Visit

Our Affiliates

ohio hunter jumper association
hunter jumper association of michigan
ushja
us equestrian
OPHA
TAKE2 second career thoroughbred program
wisconsin hunter jumper association

Join Our Mailing List

'
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
'

Ocala

  • Equestrian Events
  • Visit
  • Real Estate
  • Conventions and Tradeshows
  • Sporting Events
  • Canine Shows
  • Weddings
  • Facilities
  • Sponsors
  • Vendors

Wilmington

  • Equestrian Events
  • Stay
  • Facilities
  • Sponsors
  • Vendors
  • About

  • Events

  • Contact

  • News

  • Media

  • Worship

  • Careers

Follow Us

  • WEC
  • Ocala

Follow Us

  • WEC
  • Ocala
Contact Us
Ocala Equestrian Operations: 352.414.7900
Hotel Reservations: 866.478.9267
Wilmington Equestrian Operations: 937.382.0985
X
Privacy Policy| User Agreement| © 2025 World Equestrian Center, Wilmington OH & Ocala FL, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
  • Ocala
    • Order Feed & Bedding
    • Equestrian Events
      • Spectators
      • Shows
        • Summer Series
        • 2025 Dressage
        • May Day Barrel Bonanza
        • Winter Spectacular
        • WEC Premier Cup
        • Orange Blossom Classic & A Sudden Impulse
      • Members and Exhibitors
        • Forms
        • Prize List
        • Membership Directory
        • Points Issue
        • Standings
        • Results
        • Horses
      • Volunteers
    • Live Stream
    • Conventions
      • Conventions Photo Gallery
    • Sporting Events
      • Canine Shows
      • Sports at WEC
    • Visit
      • Stay
      • Shop
      • Dine
      • Golf Cart Rental
      • Resort Spa
      • Things to do in Ocala, FL
    • Social Events
      • Catering Menus
      • Social Events Gallery
    • Real Estate
    • Facilities
      • Expo Centers
      • Arenas
      • Stabling
      • Veterinary Hospital
      • UF Health
      • Chapel
      • Request for Proposal Form – Ocala, Florida
    • Sponsors
      • Be a Sponsor
    • Vendors
  • Wilmington
    • Equestrian Events
      • Spectators
      • Shows
        • Winter in the Midwest
        • WEC Premier Cup
        • Spring & Summer Series
        • Fall Classic Series
        • Midwest Indoors
        • Standlee® Summer Schooling Show Series
      • Members and Exhibitors
        • Standings
        • Forms
        • Membership Directory
        • Results
    • Facilities
      • Stabling
      • Arenas
      • Host an Event
    • Visit
      • Dining
      • Shop
      • Dragonfly Academy
      • Chapel
    • Live Stream
    • Stay
      • Things to do in Wilmington, OH
    • Sponsors
      • Be a Sponsor
    • Vendors
      • Vendor Application
  • Events
    • Stirrups Wine Series
    • Ocala Food & Wine Fest
    • Longines League of Nations™
    • Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Ocala
    • Ocala Winter Wonderland
  • Contact
  • About
    • FAQ
      • Ocala
      • Wilmington
    • Careers
      • Ocala
      • Wilmington
  • News
  • Media
    • Media Accreditation Form
  • Worship