The penultimate week of the 2023 Ocala Summer Series saw several firsts for a handful of riders. Dorothy Douglas took home a much-deserved win aboard MTM Pablo in the $100,000 Wheels Up Grand Prix. Erika Moore piloted her new partner Chacco Ricco to the $12,500 Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club 3’6”-3’9” Hunter Derby victory and Jordan Lubow secured her first WEC derby win aboard Wisely in the $10,000 UF Veterinary Hospital 3’ USHJA National Open Hunter Derby. Read on for additional highlights.
Sharn Wordley (NZL) claimed the win and the champion title in the $10,000 THIS 1.40m Jumper Classic aboard Della Wordley’s Brin D’or De Haute Melen Z.
“He did his first FEI CSI3* competition earlier this summer here at WEC. He was good, he placed in the ranking classes and that was the biggest class he’s done. He’s competitive at whatever level he can jump to – right now, he’s jumping the 1.45m, so I am hoping he can do the grands prix here this winter. He’s a really cool horse and a lot of fun to ride.”
Dorothy Douglas and MTM Pablo reached new heights in the $100,000 Wheels Up Grand Prix.
“It feels surreal. MTM Pablo has been knocking on the door the entire year for one of these big wins. I’ve been second a few times and we like to call it being a bridesmaid, but today I’m the bride,” laughed Douglas. “For him to win this class is unbelievable. He deserves this win.”
Alberto Michan and Kabuki claimed the $10,000 Buckeye Nutrition Futures Prix victory.
“Today was her first night class. WEC – Ocala did a great job of putting this class at night. It’s amazing for young horses to start to gain that experience with a crowd and under the lights. It’s very different. Kabuki felt like she’s done it 100 times. I am very proud of her.”
Erika Moore & Chacco Ricco were victorious in the $12,500 Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club 3’6”-3’9” Hunter Derby.
“I just started riding him a couple of months ago. He’s a Chacco Blue stallion. I was lucky that the owner was looking for a rider and I was in the right place at the right time. Kim Brunette set that all up for me. I was wanting another derby horse to practice on, and it just so happens that he’s a phenomenal derby horse! He loves it.”
Jordan Lubow and Wisely secured their first WEC derby win in the $10,000 UF Veterinary Hospital 3’ USHJA National Open Hunter Derby.
“Wisely is owned by Valerie Kalderon of Opening Bell Sporthorses and Lisa Williams. Valerie imported him 2021. He won an international derby with Hope Glynn and then went off to spend the winter in Wellington with Victoria Colvin where she had a lot of success. I began riding him this past summer and wanted to take it easy with the 3’ derbies. Valerie rides him in the adult hunters. She won the Low Adult Hunter Classic last week. He’s the jack of all trades.”
Hayley Waters Wear & Genuine secured their third $10,000 USHJA National Jr/Am Hunter Derby win.
“I was coming back on top and the handy had a few awkward inside turns. I tried to mitigate my risk after the first few jumps and was conservative at the end of the course.”
Luiz Francisco De Azevedo returned to World Equestrian Center – Ocala right where he left off and took home the victory in the $24,000 C. Jarvis Insurance Welcome Prix with Santa Cecelia Stables LLC’s Nashville.
“He’s a naturally fast horse, so I just tried to do my best for him. The first two horses in the jump-off were a bit surprised at the MARS double combination, so I really dug in, but I knew I could trust him and count on him to get it done.”
Beth Ford Estey and her own Kodiak Harbor landed the $3,500 WEC Ocala 2’6” Non Pro Hunter Derby victory.
Congratulations to all exhibitors on another fantastic week of equestrian sport! We wish everyone a successful week of competition!