Wilmington, OH – Winter Classic #1 came to a close at World Equestrian Center – Wilmington Sunday, December 4. Corri Goldman and her own Cachassini’s Boy took captured their first grand prix win together in the $30,000 WEC Grand Prix. Tammy Provost and Persuasive secured the win in the first $10,000 USHJA National 3’ Open Hunter Derby on the Winter in the Midwest Series.
Goldman piloted her own 7-year-old Westphalian gelding, Cachassini’s Boy, to a confident win in his first grand prix of his career. The duo jumped an effortless double-clear to take the win in the $30,000 WEC Grand Prix and kick start a successful record in the open jumper classes.
“He is a 7-year-old, and this is our first grand prix. This is really his first time doing any open classes, he has only done the age classes up until now. I bought him as a five-year-old from Europe and I did him in all the age classes. I will take him to Ocala and hopefully do more classes like this!”
The $10,000 WEC Futures Prix welcomed Leann Kelly and Graf Joe into the winner’s circle Saturday afternoon. Showcasing his scope and incredibly large stride, Graf Joe carried Kelly to a quick and careful fault free jump-off round to secure their victory.
Provost of Meadow View Farm in Sheridan, Indiana, added another $10,000 USHJA National 3’ Open Hunter Derby victory to her list boasting a high score of 92. This time she was aboard Jill Donaldson’s Persuasive. “My plan was to completely go for it because I came back in second place. I was a bit conservative in the first round since he was a bit ornery in the schooling area, so since I was behind, I decided to go for it. It is fun because he is always game, you can take him anywhere and never worry about the jumps. He will always go to the other side,” commented Provost.
In the $10,000 USHJA National Non-Pro 3’ Hunter Derby, Isabella Griffin dominated the field aboard her trusted partner, Diacasir. Riding out of Westminster Farm in Huntsville, Alabama, the young junior rider was the only athlete in the class to score a 90. Griffin also earned the red ribbon aboard her own Heaven’s Dream.
“Both of my horses are very good at the handy rounds. I came back lower on my first horse, so I wanted to try all the turns. I knew that I could do them on Balou since he is my equitation horse, and he is so good at the turns. I knew he could make it fluid, and he was so great.
Young professional Darby Pease rode her winningest mount, Carel Van Donderen, to another blue ribbon in the Sanctuary in the $10,000 WEC Welcome Stake. “Carel [Carel Van Donderen] has jumped everywhere. He is very experienced, and I have had him for about 8 months now. He is the best teacher. He is helping me learn to go fast and he is always in it to win it.”
The $3,500 2’6 Non-Pro Derby took place Saturday in the R+L Annex Arena with Chelsea Stillwell and Don’t Blink coming out on top.
Congratulations to all entries on a successful start to the Winter in the Midwest Series! We look forward to having you back for the rest of the series.
Make sure to visit the WEC Blog for full coverage on all feature classes! Results can be found at HorseShowing.com.
Photos courtesy of Winslow Photography.
Videos Available at ClipMyHorse.TV.