Ocala, FL – Week II of the 2023 November Show Series showcased several repeat victories. Luis Sabino Goncalves (POR) secured himself his second consecutive $100,000 Grand Prix triumph aboard Vick Du Croisy, and Samantha Schaefer had a banner week with wins in the $24,000 C. Jarvis Insurance Welcome Prix and $12,500 Golden Ocala 3’6”-3’9” Hunter Derby. Read on for additional highlights from the week.
David Cameron (AUS) and Laura Sloey’s Beijing Ls La Silla were successful in the $10,000 THIS 1.40m Jumper Classic on Sunday.
“He was really good, he’s one of those horses that tries really hard and fights for you. He knows the name of the game – go fast, and leave up the poles,” shared Cameron about the small but mighty stallion Beijing Ls La Silla.
Luis Sabino Goncalves (POR) and Vick Du Croisy galloped away with the $100,000 Hampton Green Farms Grand Prix victory on Saturday evening.
“’Vick’, she’s a winner. She does so well because of the amazing atmosphere. The footing is really good. The horses jump comfortably and happy,” he noted. “I am looking forward to next year, I already saw the schedule and it looks like there is going to be so many amazing shows; three-stars, four-stars and five-stars. A facility like this one deserves important shows like that. The shows before were great, but the four-star and five-star events fit with the quality of the facility.”
On Friday evening, Tracy Fenney (USA) and Can Talk To Me TD MTM claimed the $15,000 Buckeye Nutrition Futures Prix win.
“I stepped up in the order, because I didn’t think I’d be a contender to win. My goal was to give her a good experience, go her speed and give her a confident ride for her age,” Fenney shared about her original plan for the jump-off. “The jump-off was a lot of galloping; the shortest line was a seven. The rest were 12, 14, 15 strides. I just tried to keep thinking go forward. I didn’t even reach her full gear.”
Samantha Schaefer and In The Know continued their successful streak on Friday with the $12,500 Golden Ocala 3’6”-3’9” Hunter Derby win.
“Jordan Lubow had a great second round, so I just tried to stay calm knowing ‘Spyder’ was a little frisky. I tried to find a track that would suit him, and I think it ended up being a good idea to stay out in a few places.”
Clair Kellner and Caligua captured the $10,000 UF Veterinary Hospital USHJA National 3’ Open Hunter Derby victory.
“Doug always does a great job with the courses. The jumps here are always pretty and inviting. The handy was perfect because you had quite a few options to show off, but if you didn’t want to take the inside turn, you didn’t have to go to the ends of the earth to get there,” shared Kellner about the handy track.
Maggie King and her new partner Challenger dominated the $10,000 USHJA National 3’ Jr/Am Hunter Derby with a first round score of 85 and a handy score of 88.
“We recently bought Challenger and this is actually my first show with him,” shared King about her new talented mount. Even with a fresh partnership, the pair made light work of the winding course, opting to jump all four high options for a score of 85.
Samantha Schaefer opened up the week with a win abord Frasier in the $24,000 C. Jarvis Insurance Welcome Prix.
“The jump-off was really fun. It suited Frasier very well. He has such a big stride and it’s great when I can use that to my advantage,” expressed Schaefer. “Having the turn back to the double where I could coil up his stride, then let him turn loose again, set me up perfectly for the seven, which I don’t think many others tried. I think I did eight back to the [C. Jarvis Insurance] plank and then just showed up to the last out of a nice gallop.”
Sofia Fayad and her own Lumiere won the $2,000 USHJA Pony Hunter Derby on Friday with an overall score of 149.
Campbell Cauthen and Dctm, LLC’s Mackinac SCF emerged victorious in the $3,500 WEC – Ocala 2’6″ Non Pro Hunter Derby with two impressive scores of an 87 and 90 for a total score of 177, more than 15 points higher than second place.
Elite hunter/jumper competition returns December 6 to World Equestrian Center – Ocala for two weeks, showcasing FEI CSI3* competition and Premier Hunter/Level 6 Jumper competition. For the prize list, daily class schedules and more information, click here. Check the WEC Calendar for exciting classes held under the lights of the WEC Grand Arena, amid an enchanted Winter Wonderland.
Photos courtesy of Andrew Ryback Photography.
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