Ocala, FL – Thirty-one elite international combinations representing 10 countries took to the WEC Grand Arena early Thursday morning to contest the $32,000 Dover Saddlery Grand Prix Qualifier CSI3*. Ireland’s Robert Blanchette continued his impressive form, securing the win aboard Ridersmith LLC’s Carnlea Premier Balou (Balou Du Rouet x Cavalier Royale).
FEI Level IV course designer Guilherme Jorge of Brazil set the challenging track for Thursday’s competition. Seven horse-and-rider pairs from Canada, the United States, Australia, Ireland, and Venezuela delivered fault-free first rounds to earn a spot in the jump-off.
Erynn Ballard (CAN) was the first to return, piloting Ilan Ferder’s Fave D’authuit (Windows Vh Costersveld x Kannan). She and the 10-year-old Selle Français gelding posted a swift time of 38.61 seconds to set an early pace.
Jake Edicott (USA) followed aboard Okinawa Van De Meerhoeve and delivered another clear round, though his time of 42.58 seconds fell short of the lead. Lauren Balcomb (AUS) came next with Verdini D’houtveld Z and was quicker, but still not quite fast enough to take over the top spot.
Then came Blanchette, determined to give it his best shot with Carnlea Premier Balou. “My plan was just to go as fast as I thought my horse could handle,” he shared. “I saw a few more forward strides, but I didn’t trust it, so I sat up and added.”
His calculated ride paid off—stopping the clock at 38.57 seconds, just four-hundredths of a second faster than Ballard to take the lead.
“Honestly, I didn’t think I was going to win, but he’s just such a naturally quick horse and he helped me out, like he always does,” Blanchette said. He’s been partnered with the 11-year-old gelding for about three years. “He’s very, very competitive and always game. He also has great owners, which is always a bonus.”
Venezuela’s Luis Larrazabal came close to challenging Blanchette’s time. Aboard Victoria Heurtematte’s nine-year-old Mecklenburg gelding Check Me Out (Chaccon Blue x Conthargos), he posted a fast 38.64 seconds, just shy of Ballard’s time, to round out the podium in third.
$32,000 Dover Saddlery Grand Prix Qualifier CSI3* Results
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Photos courtesy of Andrew Ryback Photography.
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