Ocala, Florida, USA – March 12, 2023 –The energy level was at an all-time high at World Equestrian Center – Ocala this evening as a slew of the world’s top show jumping athletes put forth their best efforts in hopes of securing the $100,000 CaptiveOne Advisors Grand Prix victory. With thousands of spectators cheering them on, trailblazers Aaron Vale (USA) and his longtime partner Prescott (Lordanos x Bb Carvallo) established a blistering jump-off pace that simply could not be beat.
FEI Level III course designer Catsy Cruz (MEX) set the elaborate tracks that allowed an even eight competitors from three countries return for the jump-off.
Aaron Vale and the 11-year-old Holsteiner gelding Prescott were the first pair to return down the ramp into the WEC Grand Arena.
At the sound of the tone, the pair were off, “From one to two, I knew [MTM Apple] could make five. I caught the jump good enough where I think I could have done it, but going first it was a little greedy, so I held up and did the six. I got a fast seven to the next and when I landed, I just went racehorse speed and was able to relax the last stride or two to the vertical. I was aggressive to the combination and caught it perfectly. Prescott is a little weak turning right and leaving right, and he got lucky with the rub. I think he knocked it out with his front legs and knocked it back in with his back legs,” laughed Vale.
“It ended up working out because when he hit it, I took a breath for a second, then the crowd cheered and I knew it ended up staying in, so I kicked back into gear and found the last jump perfectly,” shared Vale.
The pair flew through the timers stopping the clock at an uncatchable 33.917 seconds.
“It’s funny, you jump enough classes and it’s the little things that make the difference. Hitting that jump and the crowd’s reaction set me up for a perfect final fence. If I would have jumped it well, I might have tried to be too aggressive to the last and had it down, but it worked out perfectly,” said Vale.
“You can’t beat the crowd here. Last week everyone was on the edge of their seats during the class and tonight they were all about the jump-off. Prescott really likes showing here under the lights and always does well,” told Vale.
Rowan Willis (AUS) and his own 12-year-old Warmblood mare Wellington Grey Goose (Corlensky x Grandira) were on the pair’s heels stopping the clock at 35.684 seconds to secure the second-place spot on the leaderboard.
Dorothy Douglas (USA) and Davenport Farms’ MTM Pablo (Perigueux x Celina) were the only other pair to navigate a clean jump-off. Douglas and the ten-year-old Warmblood gelding were quick and clear in 37.349 seconds to round out to top three.
Kyle Dewar (CAN) and his own Clever Van De Helle received the fastest four-faulter award in the $100,000 CaptiveOne Advisors Grand Prix, delivering a time of 71.923 seconds with one rail down.
Penny Brennan received the $5,000 ‘Luck of the Draw’ award.
Final Results – $100,000 CaptiveOne Advisors Grand Prix
1) Aaron Vale (USA) Prescott, Thinkslikeahorse: 0 | 0 | 33.917
2) Rowan Willis (USA) & Wellington Grey Goose, Rowan Willis: 0 | 0 | 35.684
3) Dorothy Douglas (USA) & MTM Pablo, Davenport Farms: 0 | 0 | 37.349
4) Tracy Fenney (USA) & MTM Apple, MTM Farm: 0 | 4 | 34.444
5) Daniel Geitner (USA) & Vesta De Lavardin, November Hill, Inc.: 0 | 4 | 38.461
6) Richard Spooner (USA) & Quirado RC, Show Jumping Syndications International: 0 | 4 | 39.008
7)Santiago Lambre (BRA) & Nono VD Withoeve, All In Horses and Jan De Waard: 0 | 4 | 39.710
8) William Simpson (USA) & Whoop De Doo, 5 Roosters: 0 | 4 | 41.240
9) Kyle Dewar (CAN) & Clever Van De Helle, Kyle Dewar: 4 | 71.923
10) Jelmer Hoekstra (NED) & Orlando Van Klapscheut, Jelmer Hoekstra: 4 | 72.551
Source: Press Release from World Equestrian Center
Photos: © WEC – Andrew Ryback Photography
Categories: USEF Rated, World Equestrian Center
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