
Ocala, Florida, USA – November 11, 2023 – The first Saturday night show jumping competition of the 2023 November & December Show Series started off with a bang, bringing in huge crowds of spectators and exhibitors to revel in the thrill of top-level equestrian sport. At the end of an exhilarating nine-horse jump-off in the $100,000 Coca-Cola Beverages Florida Grand Prix at World Equestrian Center – Ocala, two Americans climbed onto the podium, Kristen Vanderveen (USA) and Aaron Vale (USA).
World-renowned course designer Peter Grant (CAN) set the intricate track where nine pairs jumped clear and represented three different nations over the tie-breaking course.

The chase for the blue was riveting with one rider faster than the next. Aaron Vale (USA) and his seasoned partner Elusive (Rodrigoo x Alouette) owned by Thinkslikeahorse, appeared to have the win in the bag with a blistering fast time of 38.037 seconds, but his lead didn’t hold long.
Kristen Vanderveen (USA) gave Vale a run for his money, knocking just one-tenth of a second off the posted time with Bull Run’s Jireh (Uriko x Conella) in 37.908 seconds.
Mallory Vale received the ‘Luck of the Draw’ award.
Final Results – $100,000 Coca-Cola Beverages Florida Grand Prix Results:
1) Luis Sabino Gonçalves (POR) & Vick du Croisy, Sigma Stables LLC: 0 | 0 | 37.139
2) Kristen Vanderveen (USA) & Bull Run’s Jireh, Bull Run Jumpers, Inc.: 0 | 0 | 37.908
3) Aaron Vale (USA) & Elusive Thinkslikeahorse: 0 | 0 | 38.037
4) Luis Sabino Goncalves (POR) & Scoop de Septon Z, Sigma Stables LLC: 0 | 0 | 39.607
5) Dorothy Douglas (USA) & MTM Pablo, MTM Farm: 0 | 0 | 40.078
6) Sharn Wordley (NZL) & Champion League, Daniel Michan: 0 | 3 | 50.088
7) Tracy Fenney (USA) & MTM Apple, MTM Farm: 0 | 4 | 38.691
8) Megan Wexler (USA) & Chronicle 4, Golden Oaks Farm, LLC: 0 | 4 | 41.305
9) Sharn Wordley (NZL) & Valentine Car, Fernando Cardenas: 0 | RT
10) Rowan Willis (AUS) & Billy Guilder, Rowan Willis: 4 | 74.163
Source: Press Release (edited) from World Equestrian Center – Ocala
Photos: © Andrew Ryback Photography
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Categories: USEF Rated, World Equestrian Center




