Jelmer Hoekstra and Bellissima dh Z Top the $50,000 Ascentѐ Aviation American Standard Grand Prix

19 JUL 26 Ocala, FL

A rider in equestrian gear jumps a horse over a colorful obstacle decorated with balloon designs at an outdoor show jumping event.

Ocala, FL – Sunday morning’s featured event, the $50,000 Ascentѐ Aviation American Standard Grand Prix, welcomed 23 horse-and-rider combinations to the Grand Arena, but it was Jelmer Hoekstra (NED) who delivered the winning performance aboard Bellissima dh Z (Bamako de Muze x Wouskarla), owned by Hoekstra Stables.

Anthony D’Ambrosio (USA) designed a challenging first-round track that saw nine combinations qualify for the jump-off.

A rider on a brown horse jumps over a colorful obstacle decorated with hot air balloons in an equestrian arena.
Kyle Dewar and Hutin de L’Abbaye jumped to second place. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.

Sharn Wordley (NZL) and Heritage MBF were first to return, setting an early target with a clear effort in 51.947 seconds. Kyle Dewar (CAN) quickly raised the standard aboard his own nine-year-old Selle Français gelding Hutin de L’Abbaye (Valmy de la Lande x Audie de L’Abbaye), stopping the clock in 45.587 seconds to take over the lead.

An equestrian rider on a brown horse jumps over a hurdle decorated with flowers during a show jumping competition in an outdoor arena.
Aaron Vale and Dumbo 23 rounded out the podium. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.

Aaron Vale (USA) came close to catching Dewar aboard Magic Feathers’ Dumbo 23 (Diamant de Semilly x Afra I), but the pair crossed the timers just fractions behind in 45.587 seconds to slot into second.

The leaderboard didn’t change again until Hoekstra entered the ring aboard Bellissima dh Z. Confident in the mare’s bravery, he opted for inside turns that few riders attempted.

Equestrian rider in black jacket and helmet jumps a brown horse over an obstacle with orange horse-head designs in an outdoor arena.
Jelmer Hoekstra and Bellissima dh Z flew to first with a speedy and clear jump-off. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.

“At the first inside turn, I wanted to save some time,” Hoekstra explained. “She jumped fantastic to the oxer, and then after the double to the vertical, I knew I could go inside because she’s so brave. She needs to learn that if we want to jump bigger classes and win more. It all went really smooth.”

The strategy paid off. Hoekstra and the eight-year-old mare flew through the timers in 44.382 seconds, taking over the lead and securing the victory while moving Dewar into second and Vale into third.

A group of people and a person on horseback pose with a large check and sign reading "Ascentè Aviation" at an outdoor event, with flower arrangements in the foreground.
Jelmer Hoekstra and Bellissima dh Z were joined at the awards presentation by Marisel Brignoni, representing Ascentè Aviation, along with Jim Wolf and Jennifer Glads of World Equestrian Center. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.

Hoekstra has only partnered with Bellissima dh Z for a little more than six months, but the mare continues to impress him with her competitive spirit.

“I’ve had her now a little bit more than half a year. She’s eight years old and started in the 1.35m. She’s such a fighter and wants to do well every single time in the ring. Every time we go in together, she just gets better. I’m really happy with her.”

Equestrian athlete riding a horse waves while wearing a helmet and jacket at an outdoor event, with spectators in the background.
“She’s such a fighter and wants to do well every single time in the ring.” – Jelmer Hoekstra. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.

Now based in Ocala, Hoekstra and his wife, Dorothy Douglas, have built H&D Stables together and spoke about what WEC – Ocala has meant for growing both their business and their horses.

“It’s amazing. It’s hot everywhere right now, but here we can ride inside with air conditioning. The facility is incredible. What the Roberts family built here for us is amazing. It’s so good for our business, and to develop these horses in rings like this is just incredible. We cannot be more grateful for what they’ve done for us.”

$50,000 Ascentѐ Aviation American Standard Grand Prix Results 

Explore the daily class schedule, orders of go, class counts, and final results on HorseShowing.com. For real-time scoring, check out Ryegate.Live.

Photos courtesy of Andrew Ryback Photography.
Videos available at ClipMyHorse.TV

Make sure to visit the WEC Blog and follow us on social media @worldequestriancenter for full coverage on all feature classes!