Ocala, FL – The 2024 Winter Spectacular Show Series is now underway with thrilling hunter/jumper sport through March 24, 2024. The first week of the series saw several familiar faces in the winner’s circle. Samantha Schaefer secured her fourth consecutive victory with In The Know in the $20,000 Golden Ocala 3’6”-3’9” Hunter Derby and Luis Sabino Goncalves began his week on a high note, earning the $24,000 C. Jarvis Insurance Welcome Prix win with Vick Du Croisy. Dorothy Douglas made her start to the winter circuit a winning one, taking home the lion’s share of the prize money in the $100,000 Tipperary Equestrian Grand Prix. Read on for additional highlights from the week.
In a nail-biting jump-off, Dorothy Douglas (USA) and MTM Pablo took risks that ultimately paid off for the win in the $100,000 Tipperary Equestrian Grand Prix.
“I got Pablo as a seven-year-old. I started him in the 1.30m and now he’s almost always in the jump-offs on Saturday nights. He’s an unbelievable horse, and I am so lucky to be able to ride him. We have a cool connection. I know exactly what he’s going to do, and he anticipates what I am thinking too.”
Augusta Iwasaki (USA) and Fresca galloped away with the top prize in the $15,000 Buckeye Nutrition Futures Prix.
“She’s my favorite horse in the world. I am obsessed with her, you can ask anyone. I knew if I just stayed as tidy as I could everywhere, I could let her speed take care of the rest.”
Samantha Schaefer continued her impressive winning streak with In The Know as they clinched their fourth consecutive derby victory in the $20,000 Golden Ocala 3’6”-3’9” Hunter Derby with scores in the mid 90s.
“’Spyder’ was on his game today. He felt really good. This is his one job, derbies on Fridays at WEC. He loves it, and I am looking forward to the rest of the circuit.”
In the $15,000 UF Veterinary Hospital USHJA National 3’ Open Hunter Derby, Kate Conover impressed the judges, claiming two top spots on the leaderboard including the win on Prado.
“[Prado] is very game, and I knew I could really take the shots in the handy. I was able to show off his big step and be as tidy as possible.”
Isabelle Ehman and her longtime partner Jagerbomb took the top spot in the $15,000 USHJA National 3’ Jr/Am Hunter Derby.
“He’s my special guy, and I love him so much. This is our third year together, so I know him pretty well. I can always trust him to do well for me.”
Luis Sabino Goncalves (POR) showcased his speed once again with Vick Du Croisy and made their start to the winter circuit a successful one in the $24,000 C. Jarvis Insurance Welcome Prix.
“I had a chance to watch Aaron Vale go before me, and I think I followed a similar track. My mare is just so quick across the ground, and I think that made the difference.”
Additional Highlights:
Derek Petersen (USA) snagged two victories during week I aboard his own Zechariah. On Friday, the pair claimed the win in the $15,000 THIS 1.40m Jumper Classic with a quick time of 36.925 seconds. The pair stepped things up a notch on Sunday in the $15,000 1.45m Jumper Classic, securing their second classic win of the week with another speedy time of 31.546 seconds.
Charlotte Morassutti and Wynmore Farm LLC’s Wishlea Star Song dominated the $2,000 USHJA Pony Hunter Derby, besting a field of 24 competitors.
Brooke Eddy and her own Bona Fide prevailed in the $3,500 2’6” Non Pro Hunter Derby with a first round score of 82 and a second round score of 83 for an overall score of 165.
Congratulations to all exhibitors on a spectacular start to the winter circuit!
Spectators are welcome! From now until March 24, 2024, experience the thrill of the 2024 Winter Spectacular Show Series at World Equestrian Center – Ocala. Explore the daily class schedule, orders of go, class counts, and final results on HorseShowing.com. For real-time scoring, check out Ryegate.Live.
Photos courtesy of Andrew Ryback Photography.
Videos available at ClipMyHorse.TV
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