Wilmington, Ohio – Exhibitors packed the stands of the Standlee Sanctuary as an elite group of horse-and-athlete combinations made their way around Bobby Murphy’s (USA) tracks. Junior rider Izzy Beisel returned with two of the four horses to make it to the jump-off phase, ultimately securing the win with Diaz Barbotiere (Messire Ardent x Quambera Barbotiere) by nearly four seconds.
Coming off her recent fourth place finish in the WEC Premier Equitation Cup at WEC – Ocala, the young athlete of David Beisel Stables went right back to her winning ways in Wilmington.
“I wasn’t riding my jumpers at home obviously when I was down in Ocala for Premier Cup. So, I have so much gratitude for the whole team and everyone that helps get them ready for the shows and helps to keep them fit.”
Beisel secured the winning time with her 11-year-old Selle Francais gelding during their last grand prix debut, with unfortunate faults setting them back. Beisel joked about her speedy mount with her father and trainer, David Beisel, “My dad and I talked about the first round and my dad made sure to let Diaz know that the jump-off came after.”
As one of the winningest junior riders at WEC – Wilmington, Beisel discussed the preparation that keeps her horses happy, “We don’t jump much at home. My horses get a 20–30-minute flat and then we do about an hour of grass time. It takes me all day,” Beisel laughed.
In a quick time of 36.791 seconds, the duo posted an uncatchable time for the win.
Beisel attributed her horses’ success to extra bribery from another four-legged family member, “My mom’s dog Winnie is trying to lose some weight, so she has been sharing all her treats with my horses. I think that helped today!”
Beisel also rounded out the podium with the 11-year-old Hanoverian gelding, Vegas H (Valentino x Cobrah), in 41.222 seconds.
Canada’s Sarah Long returned to Wilmington competitive as ever with Alan Manning’s Retroflex (Flexible x Selma De La Batia). Clocking in at 40.595 seconds, Long and the 11-year-old Canadian Warmblood gelding claimed the red ribbon.
$30,000 Grand Prix Results:
1 Diaz Barbotiere, Izzy Beisel, Izzy Beisel | 0 | 36.791
2 Retroflex, Sarah Long, Alan Manning | 0 | 40.595
3 Vegas H, Izzy Beisel, David Beisel | 0 | 41.222
4 Jabantos, Amy Krebs, Amy Krebs | 4 | 35.284
5 Fortysix & 2, Lyriss Jaeger, Lyriss Jaeger | 4 | 71.871
6 Quincidence, Wilhelm Genn, Wilhelm Genn | 4 | 72.169
7 Ike, Amy Krebs, Amy Krebs | 4 | 72.755
8 Brook De Brekka, Sarah Meier, Sarah Meier | 4 | 73.266
9 Contigo, Izzy Beisel, David Beisel | 4 | 74.793
10 Nightshade SCF, Sarah Meier, Sarah Meier | 9 | 86.47
Asdi La Vista Carries Ivan Espada to the $10,000 Voltaire Futures Prix Win of Winter Classic 11
In an eight-horse jump-off, Ivan Espada ultimately surpassed the class with his own Asdi La Vista to take the win in the $10,000 Voltaire Futures Prix of WEC – Wilmington Winter Classic 11.
Espada discussed his special three-year long development and partnership with his winning mount.
“I got him when he was just seven years old. He had all the bloodlines to jump but didn’t know anything about jumping when I got him. We have done everything together. This is one of my first wins in a class at 1.30m. I am so happy! He is super careful and is my ride. If I am good, he will always be there for me.”
The duo traveled to WEC – Wilmington early in the Winter in the Midwest Series, picking up a second-place finish in the $10,000 Futures Prix. Espada was pleased with his trip, returning in top form for Winter Classic 11.
“We are based in Upperville, Virigina. WEC is great. The first two years, I went to Florida, but it is closer for us to come here, and we really love it. We wanted to come one more time this winter and we are super happy with it. Every winter we are going to come here now!”
The coming 11-year-old Hanoverian gelding by Asdi Villagana out of Uppsala was in careful form and was quick across the ground to stop the clock in 32.082 seconds for the win.
Silvio Mazzoni and his own 10-year-old Oldenburg/Argentine mare, Kimi (Remonta Habano x You Too) set a quick pace early in the order to ultimately secure second place in 33.586 seconds.
The 10-year-old KWPN mare, Jadina (Canabis Z x Tordina), made her return to the winner’s circle with Kevin McCarthy in the irons, rounding out the top three in 35.08 seconds.
$10,000 Voltaire Futures Prix Results:
1 Asdi La Vista, Ivan Espada, Ivan Espada | 0 | 32.082
2 Kimi, Slivio Mazzoni, Silvio Mazzoni | 0 | 33.586
3 Jadina, Kevin McCarthy, Sweet Oak Farm | 0 | 35.08
4 Spicebomb, Sarah Meier, Sarah Meier | 0 | 36.931
5 Boxted Boy, Ann Holliday, Melissa Crain | 0 | 36.98
6 Olympic Van De Meyhoeve, Izzy Beisel, Five Way Farm LLC | 4 | 31.47
7 Katinka, Wilhelm Genn, Klaus Mauer | 4 | 33.526
8 BSH Matinee, Shawn Butler, Shawn Butler | 4 | 36.972
9 Kasper, Karston Gundry, Kim Gundry | 4 | 73.045
10 Van Koning, Michelle Vandal, Julie Van Wieren | 4 | 76.99
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Results can be found at horseshowing.com.
All horse show images are provided by Winslow Photography and can be purchased onsite at WEC – Wilmington or online through their website.