Wilmington, Ohio –May 28, 2023  A competitive field of international athletes gathered Saturday afternoon at World Equestrian Center – Wilmington Spring I to contend the $25,000 Grand Prix sponsored by OTW Safety. Eighteen seasoned competitors vied for the win over course designer Bobby Murphy’s (USA) technical tracks, with Taylor St. Jacques (CAN) piloting her own Jakilly (Harley VDL x Zakilly) to the prestigious win.   

As the third athlete to enter the arena, St. Jacques laid down the first clear round of the class to secure a spot in the jump-off.

“I thought the tracks really suited Jakilly in the grand prix. This is her first show back since winter showing. It was technical enough where is asked the right questions, but it also allowed her to get back in the ring. It wasn’t overwhelming and I thought it really suited her today and where she is in her show schedule. I was really thrilled with the new outdoor ring when I got here; they did a great job. The courses rode great all week and they were all built perfectly for the class and the competition. Kudos to everyone this week,” commented St. Jacques.

Returning as the first to try her hand at the jump-off track, St Jacques stepped on the gas pedal instantly to jump one. The nine-year-old KWPN mare landed looking for the inside turns and confidently galloped across the ground and through the timers in 35.653 seconds to earn her first career grand prix win.

St. Jacques spoke highly of her talented chestnut mare, “Jakilly came to me in December of 2021. Tal Milstein sent her to me to develop and sell. I campaigned her in 2022 and brought her into the FEI over the summer and jumped her all the way up to the 5* 1.50m Major League Show Jumping class. This winter she was purchased for me so she is officially mine and here to stay! It has been so much fun bringing her up. I started her in the 1.15m and this is her first grand prix win!”

Izzy Beisel (USA) piloted her tried and true mount, Vegas H (Valentino x Cobrah) to a close second place. Beisel, of David Beisel Stables in Goshen, Ohio, was just shy of the winning jump-off time with her ten-year-old Hanoverian gelding. The duo stopped the clock in 35.707 seconds to ultimately earn the red ribbon.

Rounding out the podium was Lorcan Gallagher (IRE) and his seasoned mount Hunters Conlypso II (Contendro I x Cous-Cous). The 15-year-old Hanoverian gelding boasts a long list of successful international placings with Gallagher in the irons. The duo showcased their trusting partnership at Spring I, crossing the timers in 35.934 seconds to add another podium placing to their record.

Final Results – $25,000 OTW Safety Grand Prix

1) Taylor St. Jacques (CAN) & Jakilly – 0 – 35.653

2) Izzy Beisel (USA) & Vegas H– 0 – 35.707

3) Lorcan Gallagher (IRL) & Hunters Conlypso II  – 0 – 35.934

Source: Press Release from World Equestrian Center

Photo: © Winslow Photography

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