Wilmington, Ohio – The $10,000 Welcome Stake kicked off featured competition at World Equestrian Center – Wilmington Winter Classic 12, where none could best Michael Janson (USA) as he secured both first and second place honors with Ringo Star PS (Cicero Z x Hivita) and Caveman Z (Carthargo Z x Amelia Z), respectively.
First in the ring with his tried-and-true 16-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding, Caveman Z, Janson ultimately posted the first double clear, securing second place in 38.735 seconds.
“I have had Caveman for a long time. We bred this one and he isn’t one that goes off anyone else’s plan, he is an original. I walked the course and felt good. We know each other well, so I always like going first with him,” Janson shared his thoughts on being the first in the ring.
Returning with his third and final entry of the class, not only did Janson pilot the coming seven-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding, Ringo Star PS, around his first 1.35m track, but also to the win in 37.76 seconds.
“Ringo Star is a young horse that I have been developing. He is coming seven this year and this is his first 1.35m. I thought it was a good track. There were a few challenges with the double combinations; the oxers were wide, but Ringo really exceeded my expectations,” said Janson.
Janson spoke highly of his team behind-the-scenes that contributes to the success of his horses, “I am in partnership with my parents on these horses. We have a lot of young horses and ponies upcoming at Legacy Farms. My fiancé Dylan helps me here and at home. I have super grooms, Juliane and Jose. They are outstanding. It is a lot of work, but the team and the horses are great.”
Having claimed numerous podium finishes during the 2024 Winter in the Midwest Series, Janson was pleased with his result, “It felt great. This is a super venue. The horses love it and it’s so friendly for them. It was nice that the horses came together at once today.”
Nicole Loochtan (USA) and her own nine-year-old KWPN gelding Kupardie (Cidane x Akupardie), rounded out the top three in 39.633 seconds.
$10,000 Welcome Stake Results:
1 Ringo Star PS, Michael Janson, Kimberly Janson | 0 | 37.76
2 Caveman Z, Michael Janson, Kimberly Janson | 0 | 38.735
3 Kupardie, Nicole Loochtan, Nicole Loochtan | 0 | 39.633
4 Contigo, Izzy Beisel, David Beisel | 4 | 37.603
5 Aruba Van’t Eigenlo Z, Michael Janson, Kimberly Janson | 11 | 55.557
6 Piranha SCF, Hanna Toering, Spy Coast Farm | 4 | 81.735
7 BSH Matinee, Shawn Butler, Shawn Butler | 8 | 79.837
8 ESH Imagine, Katie Pelzel, Myma Folsom | 14 | 89.929
9 It’s Me Du Bosquetiau, Nicole Loochtan, Nicole Loochtan | 29 | 108.154
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Results can be found at horseshowing.com.
All horse show images are provided by Winslow Photography and can be purchased onsite at WEC – Wilmington or online through their website.