Ocala, FL – World Equestrian Center – Ocala was alive with excitement as the final grand prix of 2024 unfolded amid an enchanting Winter Wonderland. Thirty-seven horse-and-rider combinations representing 13 nations competed for top honors in the $75,000 MARS Equestrian Grand Prix. Fresh off a national grand prix victory from last week, Tracy Fenney (USA) and her fan-favorite partner, MTM Apple (Favorit Ask x Kong’s Whopsie), delivered a nail-biting performance that brought the crowd to its feet, chanting the mare’s name.
FEI Level IV course designer Guilherme Jorge (BRA) crafted a challenging track that saw 14 pairs advance to the jump-off.
First to return in the jump-off was New Zealand’s Sharn Wordley aboard Hagelin (Stolzenberg x Graefin Top), a 12-year-old Hanoverian gelding owned by Della Wordley. The pair laid down a slick round in 38.511 seconds, setting the pace for the rest of the field.
Nine riders tried to unseat Wordley from the lead, but it wasn’t until Tracy Fenney and her 13-year-old Danish Warmblood mare entered the arena that the tide began to turn.
“I watched Sharn go, and he was super-fast. I thought, ‘Wow, that’s going to be tough to beat,’” Fenney shared. “The line from jump one to two was tricky—you couldn’t really sight in on the vertical. I thought about leaving one out but ended up doing 10 [strides]. Then Apple spun on a dime to the third jump. She’s so clever and quick with her legs she was able to leave out to the double. She handled the second-to-last fence like a superstar and was so quick to the last.”
Fenney and MTM Apple surged through the finish, stopping the clock in a blistering 35.880 seconds—nearly three seconds faster than Wordley—to claim the final grand prix victory of the year.
“When I got back to the ramp, everyone was saying, ‘That was three seconds faster!’ I didn’t even look at the time while I was in the ring—I just saw number one,” Fenney said with a smile. “Apple is amazing. When she’s on, she’s fast, gives you an incredible feeling, and makes it all so much fun.”
The festive atmosphere of the event added to the excitement. “The Christmas decorations, the huge crowds—it’s all so beautifully done,” Fenney remarked. “Riding down that ramp gave me chills.”
Luis Sabino Goncalves (POR) and Sigma Stable LLC’s 10-year-old Zangersheide gelding, Scoop De Septon Z (Hunters Scendro x Kageena Van T Hoogeinde), came closest to Fenney’s time, completing the course in 37.713 seconds to secure second place. Wordley’s early lead earned him third, rounding out the podium.
Juan Gallego Martinez (COL) and Fee Des Sequoias Z earned the fastest four-faulter award with a quick first round time of 74.655 seconds with one rail down.
Anniela Gonzalez Del Valle (CRC) received the ‘Luck of the Draw’ award.
As the final grand prix of 2024 came to a close, excitement is already building for the 2025 Winter Spectacular Show Series at World Equestrian Center – Ocala. Kicking off on January 1 and running through March 23, this premier event promises 12 weeks of world-class competition and more international sport than ever before. Hunter highlights include two World Championship Hunter Rider weeks with two $80,000 USHJA International Hunter Derbies.
Whether you’re a seasoned equestrian enthusiast or new to the sport, the Winter Spectacular Series offers an unparalleled experience, filled with top-notch equestrian action, festive atmosphere, and world-class facilities. Make plans to join us and be part of the excitement at Ocala’s premier equestrian destination in 2025!