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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.”
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.