Wilmington, Ohio – Winter Classic 7 at World Equestrian Center – Wilmington featured top hunter/jumper competition from Wednesday, January 24 to Sunday, January 28. Canada’s Sam Pegg swept the $30,000 Grand Prix on Saturday evening, while Claire Austin (USA) sped to the win in the $10,000 Futures Prix. Incredible lived up to his name Friday in the R+L, winning the $15,000 USHJA National Open Hunter with Kelsey Epperson (USA) in the irons. Alexa Bing (USA) piloted her own Subtil to victory in the $15,000 USHJA National Non-Pro Hunter Derby. Pegg began his week with a win in the $10,000 Welcome Stake.
Sam Pegg stole the show in the $30,000 Grand Prix, securing a one-two finish with Gin Tonic 158 (Graf Top x Hauptstutbuch) and Formidable Diamant (Diamant De Semilly x Nobel Lady), respectively.
“I knew I had to be quick. I didn’t want to do five strides from one to two, it was a bit of a steady six. But I thought with both horses I could do the six quietly and turn back very tight to the next line. With Wilhelm [Genn], who needs no introduction, and Izzy [Beisel] following right behind you, you know you have to be quick and tidy in the turns and do what you can to leave the jumps up,” said Pegg.
Austin raced to the win amongst a seven-horse jump-off with her own K T Miel (Epleaser Van T Heike x Violet P) in the $10,000 Futures Prix.
“This is our last show before I head to be a working student in Spain. I am going to work for Greg Broderick (IRL). The win today definitely helped set me up for that. I am going to miss him [K T Miel], because he doesn’t get to come with me, but this made me feel confident going over,” said Austin.
Twelve points separated Epperson and Pamella Kissman’s Incredible (El Salvador x Budine) from second place in the $15,000 USHJA National Open Hunter Derby.
“I am a big fan of jumps that are far away from each other. I like single jumps because I can just get on a nice pace and ride it. I love it when Bobby [Murphy] does courses, I always know that they are going to ride smoothly. I wanted to stay focused in the handy and hold the lead, I didn’t feel like I needed to do anything crazy to stay on top,” shared Epperson.
Bing and her 17-year-old Selle Francais gelding Subtil (Adelfos x Isba De B’Neville) secured the win by 14 points in the $15,000 USHJA National Non-Pro Hunter Derby.
“This is one of my favorite shows. Anytime my trainer comes here I always sign up. They do such a great job, and it is so beautiful here. It is so nice because it is cold outside, but it is always nice and warm inside. It is such a great environment. I love being here and I am happy to come when I can. It was my first time showing here over the summer as well, and I thought it was so nice out there,” Bing commented on her experience at WEC – Wilmington.
Pegg saved the best for last with Formidable Diamant (Diamant De Semilly x Nobel Lady) in the $10,000 CWD Welcome Stake to take the win.
After his month stay at WEC – Wilmington, Pegg discussed the benefits of the facility for his program. “We love to come here. You can jump the horses any height you want. I have a horse that really isn’t ready to show, but he can get lots of good mileage here and go in different rings to jump around. I have a couple of horses that only do the grand prix. There is good prize money every week. It is always nice to come here and be inside out of the weather and jump the horses to keep them fit.”
Competition at World Equestrian Center – Wilmington will resume Wednesday, January 31 through Sunday, February 4 with Winter Classic 8.
Make sure to visit the WEC Blog and follow us on social media @worldequestriancenter for full coverage on all feature classes!
Results can be found at wec.net.
All horse show images are provided by Winslow Photography and can be purchased onsite at WEC – Wilmington or online through their website.