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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