Kama Godek & Charissa Capture $30,000 Grand Prix Win of WEC – Wilmington Winter Classic 2
06 DEC 25 Wilmington, OH
Wilmington, Ohio – The Standlee Sanctuary at WEC – Wilmington, transformed into a winter wonderland, set the scene for the first $30,000 Grand Prix of the 2026 Winter in the Midwest Series. A competitive jump-off followed, but it was no match for Kama Godek and her seasoned mare, Charissa (Clarimo x Urmel VI).
After giving her decorated mare some well-earned downtime at home, Godek spoke about her return to the ring before heading south.
“I let her be a happy hacker at home for the last couple of weeks, and I realized if I didn’t get her in the ring before I got to Florida, it would end up being a long time,” she laughed. “I love this horse show, and I know the footing is going to be good, so I wanted to give her a really positive experience before we go. That’s why I decided to bring her here.”
With ten returning for the jump-off, she shared her strategy for navigating a competitive field.
“I didn’t necessarily want to make it a race, and I didn’t want to go too fast on her. She’s deceptively quick, and she has a very large stride, so I normally have to wait in the lines. I decided to do the leave-outs. I watched Izzy Beisel, who went first. Her horse also has a big stride, so I knew I could do one less everywhere.”
The 14-year-old Holsteiner mare made light work of the track, crossing the timers in an effortless 34.72 seconds.
When asked how the facility has helped prepare her horses for their upcoming season in Florida, Godek emphasized the welcoming atmosphere that keeps her coming back.
“I love it. Everyone is so friendly—that’s the biggest thing. It’s enjoyable to show here, not just because the facility is clean and the footing is good, but because everyone—from the in-gate people to the ring crew to the secretaries—makes it such a nice experience. I really enjoy the whole environment, and everyone is genuinely kind.”
Sam Pegg tried his hand at the leading time but fell just short aboard Harlow Investment Enterprises LLC’s eight-year-old Holsteiner mare, Casey H (Cassin x D-Arielle), earning second place in 35.79 seconds.
Izzy Beisel and her 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, Contigo (Carombolle), rounded out the top three in 36.975 seconds.
Grace Griffin & Larinto VDR Speed to Win the $7,500 1.20m Jr/Am Mini Prix
Fourteen junior and amateur athletes met for the $7,500 1.20m Junior/Amateur Mini Prix at WEC – Wilmington Winter Classic 2. Nine combinations advanced to the immediate jump-off phase, but Grace Griffin proved unbeatable as the one to set the pace.
Aboard her own Larinto VDR (Mr. Blue x Farinta Van’t Hertsveld), Griffin led the way, jumping the first double-clear effort.
The 14-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding was in careful form and stopped the clock in 28.205 seconds to secure the victory gallop.
Olivia Tobin and her own 13-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding, Casario De Soie Z (Casario II x Contender), came in second place in 29.461 seconds.
Bailey Beal and her own S Aliblue ABF (Carrasca Z x For His Glory), a seven-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding, rounded out the top three in 29.766 seconds.