Ocala, FL – Week IV of the 2024 Winter Spectacular Show Series saw several familiar faces in the winner’s circle. There were several back-to-back victories on Hunter Derby Friday as Daniel Geitner secured his second win aboard Easy Money in the $20,000 Golden Ocala 3’6”-3’9” Hunter Derby, and Grace Loughlin piloted Briljant Z to another first-place finish in the $15,000 USHJA National 3’ Jr/Am Hunter Derby. Saturday night unfolded with Dorothy Douglas securing her second grand prix triumph in the $100,000 UF Health Grand Prix. Read on for additional highlights.
Dorothy Douglas (USA) and MTM Pablo marked their second grand prix win of the circuit in the $100,000 UF Health Grand Prix.
“It’s an incredible feeling knowing that Pablo has not only stepped up to the plate to compete in these classes, but now he’s proven to be a consistent grand prix winner. I couldn’t be more proud of him.”
The $15,000 Buckeye Nutrition Futures Prix returned under the lights to give the future superstars of show jumping a chance to compete in an atmosphere similar to the Saturday night grand prix. Sharn Wordley (NZL) snagged the victory aboard North Face Farm’s Hagelin.
“This is my third show with him, and he’s been pretty fun to ride. We are just getting the partnership together and building up. He’s a cheeky character, but when he gets in the ring he’s all business.”
Daniel Geitner once again dominated the $20,000 Golden Ocala 3’6”-3’9” Hunter Derby, clinching not only the victory aboard Laura Cramer’s Easy Money but also securing second place with Coltrane.
“Last week we won in the smaller ring, but he just thrives out here in the Stadium. He does his best when he can just gallop and there is no related distances. He’s so brave, and he loves an atmosphere.”
Jennifer Jones guided Lincoln to victory in the $15,000 UF Veterinary Hospital USHJA National 3’ Open Hunter Derby.
“The first round rode nice. This horse isn’t spooky at all, so the first jump being the hedge wasn’t even an issue. Actually, it made him excited about showing. The rest was very smooth.”
Forty-two talented junior and amateur athletes competed for the top prize in the $15,000 USHJA National 3’ Jr/Am Hunter Derby, but Grace Loughlin secured her second consecutive victory aboard Loughlin Sport Horses’ Briljant Z.
“I wanted to be as tidy as possible. I wasn’t too sure about turning in front of the gazebo, but then I saw other people doing it, so then I knew I had to do it.”
Megan Wexler (USA) clinched victory aboard Amen Corner Farm, LLC’s Psalm in the $24,000 C. Jarvis Insurance Welcome Prix.
“I planned all of the leave outs. His stride is so big and open, in a ring like this, I was able to just gallop. I was a bit nervous to the vertical-vertical combination because it was so tight. I thought leaving out to it could be a bit risky, but he tried so hard and cleared it. I just kept kicking the rest of the way and it was smooth sailing from there.”
Additional Highlights:
Megan Wexler scored her second victory of the week on Sunday afternoon aboard Chronicle 4 in the $15,000 1.45m Jumper Classic.
On Saturday afternoon, Jodie Camberg and Jillian Minahan’s Gatsby’s Green Light snagged the win in the $15,000 THIS 1.40m Jumper Classic with a quick time of 32.391 seconds in the jump-off.
Ella Traumianz and Madeline Schaefer’s Hey Scooby captured the $2,000 USHJA Pony Hunter Derby victory.
Geneva Saunders bested the field with her own As Ever in the $3,500 2’6” Non Pro Hunter Derby – Child with an overall score of 165.
Madison Ruddy prevailed aboard her own Clair De Lune in the $3,500 2’6” Non Pro Hunter Derby – Adult with a solid score of 160.
Congratulations to all athletes on another successful week of equestrian sport!