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Ocala, FL – Feature class action during the penultimate week of the 2023 Ocala Summer Series opened with 34 talented athletes putting forth their best efforts in the $24,000 C. Jarvis Insurance Welcome Prix. Luiz Francisco De Azevedo (BRA) returned to World Equestrian Center – Ocala right where he left off and took home the victory with Santa Cecelia Stables LLC’s Nashville (Diamant De Semilly x Candygirl).
FEI Level II course designer Doug Russell (USA) crafted the opening tracks that allowed nine horse-and-rider combinations to return for the jump-off.
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The first double clear effort was found by Dorothy Douglas (USA) and Davenport Farms’ MTM Pablo (Perigueux x Celina). Douglas and the 10-year-old Warmblood gelding were slick posting a time of 39.243 seconds, which ultimately earned the pair second place.
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Douglas and MTM Pablo’s time wasn’t caught until Luiz Francisco De Azevedo entered the arena with Nashville. Azevedo and Nashville are recently coming off a strong win from week IV’s $50,000 UF Veterinary Hospital Grand Prix Qualifier CSI3*.
Azevedo took a well-deserved break after the first few weeks of international competition before heading back to World Equestrian Center – Ocala, “I went to Brazil for three weeks and went without riding at all, but I have such a good team behind me, they kept my horses in shape. So, I flew in yesterday and got here last night.”
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Azevedo used the 10-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding’s natural speed to his advantage in the jump-off, “He’s a naturally fast horse, so I just tried to do my best for him. The first two horses in the jump-off were a bit surprised at the MARS double combination, so I really dug in, but I knew I could trust him and count on him to get it done.”
The pair whipped around the jump-off track finding each fence on an open gallop to stop the timers at 38.502 seconds which held rank for the remainder of the class.
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Azevedo spoke about his partnership with the gelding, who is coming into his own, “I have been riding him for about two years. Since the beginning, we had a really good relationship, but the last six months has been very special. He’s won a few grands prix, won the Grand Prix Qualifier CSI3* here and I hope to continue like that. It’s more difficult to stay on top rather than achieve the top. Now we need to stay consistent which is a different type of challenge.”
Azevedo is enthusiastic about World Equestrian Center – Ocala, “For me, this is the best place in the world. I can’t see a place with a better facility than this. It’s unbelievable. The ground is perfect, the atmosphere is amazing, and everything is fantastic. I was so excited to hear about the Longines League of Nations™ being held here. You can see the top of the sport, the highest level possible here. People should be really proud of this place. I am already planning on being here because I am sure it is going to be something special.”
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Megan Wexler and Golden Oaks Farm, LLC’s 10-year-old Holsteiner gelding Chronicle 4 (Centurion x Ambiance) rounded out the top three with a quick and clear time of 40.575 seconds.
$24,000 C. Jarvis Insurance Welcome Prix Results:
1 Nashville, Luiz Francisco De Azevedo, Santa Cecelia Stables LLC: 0 | 0 | 38.502
2 MTM Pablo, Dorothy Douglas, Davenport Farms: 0 | 0 | 39.243
3 Chronicle 4, Megan Wexler, Golden Oaks Farm, LLC: 0 | 0 | 40.575
4 Mick Jagger, Sharn Wordley, Della Wordley: 0 | 0 | 42.198
5 Vitus K, Sheer Levitin, Sheer Levitin: 0 | 0 | 44.932
6 Miki Puigroq, Luis Sabino Goncalves, Sigma Stables: 0 | 4 | 40.300
7 Caepte 2, Dorothy Douglas, MTM Farm: 0 | 8 | 38.830
8 Scoop De Septon Z, Luis Sabino Goncalves, Sigma Stables LLC: 0 | 14 | 52.422
9 Clever Van De Helle, Kyle Dewar, Kyle Dewar: 0 | 29 | 63.186
10 Quentin VA, Will Simpson, Two Socks Farm LLC: 1 | 71.196
Photos courtesy of Andrew Ryback Photography.
Videos available at ClipMyHorse.TV
For final results visit HorseShowing.com or Ryegate.Live.