Ocala, Florida, USA – July 20, 2023 – The $24,000 C. Jarvis Insurance Welcome Prix opened feature class action during Week VII of the 2023 Ocala Summer Series as a field of 38 top-notch athletes suited up to compete over challenging tracks set by FEI Level III course designer Peter Grant (CAN). In a competitive four-horse jump-off, Olympian Matthew Williams (AUS) surpassed the field aboard ABC Quantum Cruise (O.B.O.S. Quality OO4 x Ardnehue Diamond Cruiser) owned by Wyndmont. 

Three elite athletes representing the United States, Venezuela and Australia answered all the questions in the first round while staying under the tight time allowed of 79 seconds to return for the jump-off.

Pathfinder Dorothy Douglas (USA) piloted both of her mounts to the jump-off, returning first aboard Davenport Farm’s MTM Pablo (Perigueux x Celina). Douglas and the 10-year-old Warmblood gelding found the fastest track in 39.939 seconds, but pulled an unfortunate rail at the second to last fence. 

Luis Larrazabal (VEN) earned a clear round aboard Balou’s Penny (Balou De Rouet x Celata), a nine-year-old Oldenburg mare owned by Alexia Thermiotis, in 48.327 seconds with all rails still in their cups. 

With a steady, but clear round in the lead, Matthew Williams (AUS) knew he had to be strategic, “I knew Dorrie [Douglas] could probably be quicker than me on her last one, so I wanted to do enough to put the pressure on her, but still have enough horse that was on his back foot for Saturday night.” 

With a time of 44.564 seconds, Williams and ABC Quantum Cruise ultimately captured the victory. 

ABC Quantum Cruise is a newer partner for Williams, “I have been riding him since the beginning of January. He’s won a lot of classes throughout his career with anyone who has ever ridden him. It’s really just a pleasure to be his rider. He is always fighting for you and makes our lives easy because he wants to do that job,” shared Williams. 

“I’d like to thank the owners Ronnie Beard and Michael Dorman for letting me ride the horse. It’s always a pleasure riding horses with them, and we’ve had a few great horses over the years, so I am looking forward to what the future brings,” expressed Williams. 

The 2023 Ocala Summer Series marks Williams’ first time competing at World Equestrian Center – Ocala, “Two weeks ago was my first-time riding here. I’ve been here and watched before. I think until you ride here you don’t realize just how incredible the facility and organization are. Everything runs so smoothly, and even though we are up against the elements outside you can get out of it and go into the air-conditioned indoor rings.”

Final Results – $24,000 C. Jarvis Insurance Welcome Prix

1) Mattew Williams (AUS) & ABC Quantum Cruise, Wyndmont: 0 | 0 | 44.564
2) Luis Larrazabal (VEN) & Balou’s Penny, Alexia Thermiotis: 0 | 0 | 48.327
3) Dorothy Douglas (USA) & MTM Pablo, Davenport Farms: 0 | 4 | 39.939
4) Dorothy Douglas (USA) & Caepten 2, MTM Farm: 0 | 4 | 42.519
5) Luis Sabino Goncalves (POR) & Scoop De Septon Z, Sigma Stables LLC: 1 | 79.613
6) Ana Cristina Rodriguez () & Ferdita, Juan Rodriguez Silva: 3 | 81.601
7) Lauren Hough (USA) & Christa 27, Berrbaum Stables Gmbh: 4 | 75.678
8) Tracy Fenney (USA) & MTM McIntosh, Nina Koloseike: 4 | 77.037
9) Catalina Peralta (USA) & Early Moon Du Favril, Wendy Peralta: 4 | 77.408
10) Juan Rodriguez Silva (GUA) & Presley Degli Assi, Rodriguez Equestrian: 4 | 77.527

Source: Press Release from WEC – World Equestrian Center

Photo: ©  Andrew Ryback Photography.

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