Ocala, FL- During Week X of the 2024 Winter Spectacular Show Series at World Equestrian Center – Ocala, the $15,000 Buckeye Nutrition Futures Prix saw a change of scenery. A field of promising horse-and-rider combinations tackled tracks designed by Bernardo Costa Cabral (POR) in the WEC Stadium. Ultimately, it was Megan Wexler (USA) who navigated a blistering fast jump-off aboard Gatsby’s Green Light (Carinjo x U-Joyfull), owned by Jillian Minahan to clinch the victory.
Out of the eleven horse-and-rider combinations that found success in the first round, eight managed to jump double clear.
Megan Wexler, riding the 16-year-old Holsteiner gelding, entered the arena midway through the order. Following a recent triumph in Friday’s $15,000 THIS 1.40m Jumper Classic, the duo maintained their momentum, clocking a lightning-fast 34.617 seconds in the jump-off for first place.
Wexler spoke about her speedy partner, “He joined my program last April. He was leased out for a few months, but ever since he’s been back, he’s been winning classes all circuit long. Both my assistant and I have won a few classes on him. He’s truly a winning green light!”
Gatsby’s Green Light enjoyed the new atmosphere according to Wexler, “The atmosphere here is incredible. The large arenas and stunning jumps create such a great environment for the horses. It was nice to show [Gatsby’s Green Light] in the Stadium, it was his first time in there and it was a positive experience for him.”
“I’m so grateful to ‘Gatsby’s’ owners, Renee and Jillian Minahan, for their support,” she added. “My entire team deserves credit for their hard work. It’s a collaborative effort, and I wouldn’t be able to do what I do without each and every one of them,” Wexler shared.
Manuel Torres (COL) was just shy of the winning time aboard Alejandra Ortiz Orozco’s nine-year-old KWPN mare Karlotta CL (Baltic VDL x Caronada K) by two tenths of a second, finishing in 34.908 seconds.
Penny Brennan (GBR) claimed the third spot on the leaderboard with Trish McNamara’s 10-year-old KWPN gelding Bonjour BF (Zambesi x Edelweis IV S) in 35.291 seconds.
$15,000 Buckeye Nutrition Futures Prix Results:
1 Gatsby’s Green Light, Megan Wexler, Jillian Minahan: 0/0/34.617
2 Karlotta CL, Manuel Torres, Alejandra Ortiz Orozco: 0/0/34.908
3 Bonjour BF, Penny Brennan, Trish McNamara: 0/0/35.291
4 Katniss Du Val Geer, Luis Sabino Goncalves, Sigma Stables LLC: 0/0/35.554
5 Take-Off Diara Ps, Rodrigo Lambre, Rodrigo Lambre: 0/0/37.317
6 Pionier Van’t Reebroeck, Lauren Crooks-Brennan, Crooks Show Jumping, LLC: 0/0/38.081
7 Iquira, James Brennan, Crooks Show Jumping, LLC: 0/0/40.791
8 Lamira Es, Alexa Pessoa, Clover M Sporthorses LLC: 0/0/41.382
9 Marius, Fernando Lozinsky, Fernando Lozinsky: 0/4/35.032
10 Q, Andrew Bourns, Andrew Bourns: 0/4/36.121
Visit HorseShowing.com for final results.
Spectators are welcome! From now until March 24, 2024, experience the thrill of the 2024 Winter Spectacular Show Series at World Equestrian Center – Ocala. Explore the daily class schedule, orders of go, class counts, and final results on HorseShowing.com. For real-time scoring, check out Ryegate.Live.
A limited number of weekly stalls remain for the 2024 Winter Spectacular Show Series, book your stall today!
Photos courtesy of Andrew Ryback Photography.
Videos available at ClipMyHorse.TV
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