Ocala, FL – The penultimate week of the 2024 Winter Spectacular Show Series featured thrilling Jumping competition at the WEC Stadium. Sharn Wordley (NZL) emerged as a dominant force in the $100,000 Hampton Green Farms Grand Prix, clinching first and third place. Daniel Geitner showcased his prowess in Hunter 1 yet again in the $20,000 Golden Ocala 3’6”-3’9” Hunter Derby, achieving a double victory with two younger mounts. Keep reading for more exciting highlights from the week!
The $100,000 Hampton Green Farms Grand Prix marked a historic occasion as the event took place for the first time under the lights of the WEC Stadium, attracting a group of elite athletes eager to experience the new atmosphere. Ultimately, it was the dynamic partnership of Sharn Wordley (NZL) and Valentine Car that emerged victorious at WEC – Ocala.
“The atmosphere here is fantastic. It’s like the horses are showing at a different venue, and it makes a world of difference. I think that’s something that sets this place on a whole different level. It’s already the most amazing place in the world, and this ring makes it even more incredible.”
In the $15,000 Buckeye Nutrition Futures Prix, Robert Blanchette (IRL) emerged as the star of the day and took first place with his new mount Azmir d’Asbo Z while also securing third and fifth place at WEC – Ocala.
“I told him, ‘You’re not going to win today.’ I didn’t think I was ready to go forward on him quite yet because this was only our second class together. I had a simple plan – jump clear – but he felt so perfect. I saw things a bit early, and it was just enough. He has such a massive step.”
Daniel Geitner demonstrated mastery of the different Hunt and Go format in Week XI’s $20,000 Golden Ocala 3’6”-3’9” Hunter Derby at WEC – Ocala, clinching first place aboard Your Welcome BC and second place with Aeronautic.
“This is [Your Welcome BC’s] first big derby. He’s such a star. He hasn’t shown all week. He didn’t hand walk [in the show ring] because we wanted him to be fresh. He is just a star. He was bred to be a star. [Owner and trainer] Don Stewart has done an amazing job with him. It was like a whole new horse, and he just got higher and higher over the jumps.”
Jennifer Jones received the highest score of the circuit – 99 – in the handy round of the $15,000 UF Veterinary Hospital USHJA National 3’ Open Hunter Derby aboard the stylish Copper Canyon to ultimately gallop away with yet another Open Derby victory.
“I’ve ridden him for three years. I rode him at his very first show in America, which was actually here. I did two years of greens with him and this year we’ve focused on the derbies.”
Maddie Tosh emerged victorious in the $15,000 USHJA National 3’ Junior Hunter Derby riding Chorus with two flawless performances.
“I think it rode really nice. There were a lot of loose bending lines, where you could get on a nice gallop and just continue. ‘Chorus’ has a huge stride and a great rhythm, so once you get him into gear, he’s awesome.”
Thirty-two exceptional horse-and-rider duos showcased their talents in pursuit of victory, but it was Hayley Waters Wear and Genuine that captured the win in the $15,000 USHJA National 3’ Amateur Hunter Derby.
“Coming back fourth, I knew I needed to be as handy as I could to move up at all. There were a couple of inside options that I knew I needed to do. Genuine is really adjustable, which makes him so fun to ride in the handy.”
The $24,000 C. Jarvis Insurance Welcome Prix saw a change of scenery in the WEC Stadium. With a license to thrill, Samantha Schaefer (USA) and James Bond Hx snagged the win.
“It was really nice for a horse like ‘James’ who has been here all circuit to step into a different ring. I didn’t jump him Week VI in the Stadium, I showed Frasier, so this is a brand-new venue for him. He felt really fresh, and I can tell he really enjoyed it.”
Congratulations to all competitors on yet another fantastic week of equestrian sport.