Ocala, FL – Week X of the 2024 Winter Spectacular Show Series showcased the first week of CSI4*/CSI2* competition at World Equestrian Center – Ocala. Over three electrifying evenings, spectators witnessed remarkable performances. Aaron Vale (USA) and Carissimo 25 triumphed in the $62,500 LeMieux Grand Prix Qualifier CSI4* on Thursday. Friday saw Daniel Coyle (IRL) and Lena VDL setting a blistering pace to claim victory in the $32,000 Wheels Up Grand Prix Qualifier CSI2*. The week concluded with Andre Thieme (GER) and Chakaria stealing the spotlight in the $200,000 Florida Coast Equipment Grand Prix CSI4*. Explore further highlights from this thrilling week below.
Victory in the $65,000 LeMieux Grand Prix CSI2* went to seven-time Olympian Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA) aboard the lightning-fast mare Chili.
“She shines in the two-star competitions. The secret is to keep the horses at the level where they are most comfortable. I don’t want to push her with bigger fences because she would struggle. It’s not fair to her. We keep her at 1.45m and enter her where there is good prize money. She has always earned her keep, and she’s a fantastic mare to have.”
Megan Wexler and Gatsby’s Green Light were given the go ahead to win the $15,000 Buckeye Nutrition Futures Prix.
“He joined my program last April. He was leased out for a few months, but ever since he’s been back, he’s been winning classes all circuit long. Both my assistant and I have won a few classes on him. He’s truly a winning green light!”
Amid a star-studded lineup of the world’s best horse-and-rider combinations it was Olympian Andre Thieme (GER) and his trusted partner DSP Chakaria who rose to the occasion, claiming the winning title in the $200,000 Florida Coast Equipment Grand Prix CSI4*.
“I knew I didn’t want to be second, and I had a fast and experienced horse. I saw Rodrigo go, and I couldn’t really tell how fast he was, but I could at least do the same tracks as he did and rely on my horse’s natural speed.”
The trailblazing performance of pathfinder Daniel Coyle (IRL) and Lena VDL stole the spotlight for victory in the $32,000 Wheels Up Grand Prix Qualifier CSI2.
“She’s a real firecracker. She has her own opinion about every single thing, but I think that’s why she’s so good in the ring. I am so delighted Ariel bought her for me. I think the mare has a really promising future ahead, and we are grateful to Janko [van de Lageweg] for finding us another amazing horse.”
Daniel Geitner and Coltrane delivered effortless performances across both rounds to clinch the victory in the $20,000 Golden Ocala 3’6”-3’9” Hunter Derby.
“I am so glad Coltrane won. He’s been a bridesmaid almost every week. This is the first week his owners are here, so he picked an awesome time to win one. It couldn’t have been a better day. Now, we will take a little bit of a break next week and gear up for the $75,000 derbies during week XII.”
Jennifer Jones once again demonstrated her skills in the open derby, capturing victory aboard Soundcheck in the $15,000 UF Veterinary Hospital USHJA National 3’ Open Hunter Derby.
“Soundcheck is like a little dirt bike. He just goes around the ring. This is my third year riding him, so I know him pretty well. You just have to think about what you want to do, and he’s just right there every step of the way.”
Madison Stewart, in a newly formed partnership with Radio City, emerged victorious in the $15,000 USHJA National 3’ Jr/Am Hunter Derby.
“The walk part of the handy was pretty interesting, but my horse was perfect. I just tried to be smooth everywhere and hug a few jumps to make it has handy as I could. But overall I thought it was pretty fun!”
In the $31,500 1.45m Winning Round CSI4* in Ocala it was Richie Moloney (IRL) and his trusted partner Rocksy Music that seized the lead and took home the lion’s share of the prize money.
“I’ve had him since he was nine, so it’s been seven years. I know him very well. He’s always a great one to have at these shows for the speed classes. He seems to always pick up a little bit of prize money and help us pay for the week.”
Thirty riders representing 10 different nations showcased their skills in the $62,500 LeMieux Grand Prix Qualifier CSI4* but it was Ocala’s own Aaron Vale (USA) who claimed the top spot aboard Carissimo 25.
“I knew from one to two I could get eight with his ability. Eight to the double was almost too slow for him. The seven to the liverpool was slow and patient feeling. Then I was quick and efficient everywhere else.”
On Thursday afternoon, Conor O’Regan (IRL) and Ericka Houlihan’s Carmen De Bonnieres emerged victorious in the $5,000 1.40m Two Phase Special CSI2* with a quick time of 35.71 seconds.
Amy Millar (CAN) claimed the quickest time in the $31,500 1.45m Speed CSI4* to win aboard Jagger HX.
In the 1.40m Speed CSI4*, Caelinn Leahy (USA) and The Gray Man clinched victory.
Will Simpson (USA) was the quickest aboard Keminko N in the 1.40m Speed CSI2*.
Additional Highlights:
Rodrigo Lambre (BRA) and Jalapeno Hedoniste prevailed in the $15,000 1.45m Jumper Classic.
Megan Wexler (USA) and Gatsby’s Green Light conquered the $15,000 THIS 1.40m Jumper Classic.
Charlotte Morassutti and Wishlea Star Song emerged victorious in the $2,000 USHJA Pony Hunter Derby.
Weezie Respess and Contento Vbd Z topped the $3,500 2’6” Non Pro Child Hunter Derby.
In the $15,000 2’6” Non Pro Adult Hunter Derby, Phoebe Weseley and Admire The Dark won with an overall score of 175.
Visit HorseShowing.com for final results.
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.
A limited number of weekly stalls remain for the 2024 Winter Spectacular Show Series, book your stall today!
Photos courtesy of Andrew Ryback Photography.
Videos available at ClipMyHorse.TV
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