Kady Abrahamson and Vancouver Dominate $25,000 WEC Grand Prix

*Kady Abrahamson wins the $25,000 WEC Grand Prix. Photos courtesy of Winslow Photography.*

Wilmington, OHIO – A field of twenty-six horse and rider combinations showcased their dynamic jumping abilities in this evening’s $25,000 WEC Grand Prix, sponsored by Vitalize®. Bobby Murphy (USA) set the technical track that challenged competitors, and allowed just five pairs to qualify for the jump-off.

All smiles in the winners circle. *Photos courtesy of Winslow Photography.*

During the course walk, Abrahamson designed a plan for her winning ride on Vancouver (Valentino x Cocco). “This course was a lot, and it was in your face. As soon as you landed, there was somewhere to be. The lines were technical, and everything was coming up quickly! Van handled it perfectly and a course like this suited him extremely well, he loved the ‘go,go,go’ aspect of it.”

Her diligence paid off as the pair went clear through each round, stopping the clock at 71.171 seconds in round one and 37.425 seconds in the jump-off to take home the win.

*Nicole Loochtan and Goblin take second place. Photos courtesy of Winslow Photography.*

Nicole Loochtan and Goblin (Baltic VDL x Catascha Z) secured the second-place ribbon in the $25,000 WEC Grand Prix. Loochtan and the 2011 chestnut gelding were just behind Abrahamson, with a time of 38.991 seconds.

*Summer Hill and La Belle SCF soar over the butterfly jump. Photos courtesy of Winslow Photography.*

Summer Hill and La Belle SCF (Diktator Van De Boslandhoeve x Belle Blue S) slid into the third-place position, galloping a speedy 34.368 second jump-off, but with an unfortunate rail for a four-fault penalty.

*Vitalize® Blazin’ Fastest Four-Faulter Award was captured by Mattias Ekeroth. Photos courtesy of Winslow Photography.*

Mattias Ekeroth and Stamm galloped away with the $500 Vitalize® Blazin’ Fastest Four-Faulter Award.

$25,000 WEC Wilmington Grand Prix Results:

Vancouver, Kady Abrahamson: 0 | 0 | 37.425
Goblin, Nichole Loochtan: 0 | 0 | 38.991
La Belle SCF, Summer Hill: 0 | 4 | 34.368
Caiman Des Sequoias, Nicole Loochtan: 0 | 4 | 39.512
Jarocco Blue, Sam Berry: 0 | 12 | 41.302
Stamm, Mattias Ekeroth: 4 | 69.755
Calinda FZ, Garrett Warner: 4 | 70.740
Maraca LS La Silla, Kady Abrahamson: 4 | 73.361
Gabravo, Summer Hill: 4 | 73.518
Snow White, Natalie Thornell: 4 | 73.688

Summer Hill and Caballa PS Win $4,999 WEC Futures Prix

*Summer Hill and Caballa PS take the blue in the $4,999 WEC Futures Prix. Photos courtesy of Winslow Photography.*

Just split seconds separated the placings between the nineteen partnerships riding to win this afternoon’s $4,999 WEC Futures Prix. Summer Hill and Steven Bluman’s Caballa PS worked in perfect unison to complete Bobby Murphy’s tricky course, taking a 67.453-second lead in round one. The pair quickly caught their breath to contest the jump-off, taking all inside turns to secure a winning time of 39.475 seconds for the lead.

“This mare is brand new to me. I just got her last Thursday, so I am quickly learning her buttons. So far, she has been so spectacular and I’m enjoying having her with me. She’s so quick and adjustable, so I never had to touch the breaks throughout the class.” mentioned Hill.

*Hill and Lausbub 458 slide into second place. Photos courtesy of Winslow Photography.*

Summer Hill also secured the second-place leaderboard time riding Lausbub 458. Hill and the 2015 Hanoverian gelding jumped clear in the first round and secured a red-ribbon worthy time of 40.286 seconds on the short course.

*Light Show and Hutchison soar to third. Photos courtesy of Winslow Photography.*

Rounding out the top three in the $4,999 WEC Futures Prix was Lani E. Hutchison and Light Show. The duo was just a hair behind Hill, crossing the timers at 40.393 seconds for third.

$4,999 WEC Wilmington Futures Prix Results: