Ocala, Florida, USA – December 14, 2023 – A light rain couldn’t dampen Thursday evening’s competition at World Equestrian Center – Ocala. Thirty athletes from 12 different nations faced off in the $50,000 LeMieux Grand Prix Qualifier CSI 3* over a challenging track set by FEI Level III course designer Catsy Cruz (MEX). However, it was the trailblazing duo of Todd Minikus (USA) and Amex Z (Andiamo Z x Landaris) who set the pace, clocking in an unbeatable time.

A total of nine athletes representing the United States, Columbia, Portugal, New Zealand, Great Britain and Spain returned to the WEC Grand Arena to battle it out over the jump-off track. 

Being the first athlete to return for the jump-off, Minikus thought his time would be beat by one of the quick competitors behind him. “She jumped great in the first round, but it’s never an advantage to go first in the jump-off,” he said. “I didn’t really have a plan. I go with what I can see before I can count, so I never worry about the numbers. I am more of a feel rider than a counter.” 

Minikus piloted his longtime partner to an incredibly quick track to stop the clock at an uncatchable 39.16 seconds. 

He spoke about his partnership with the skilled 14-year-old Zangersheide mare owned by Bit By Bit Group, “I honestly thought it was a nice third place round, because I didn’t even hit her gear yet. She’s an awesome mare who has won so much for me and I am so glad that I have her.” 

Come rain or shine, Minikus was still grateful for a wonderful night, “It was a bit chilly but it was appropriate for all of the beautiful holiday decorations. The Roberts family have the place looking spectacular for Christmas and we are very fortunate to be able to compete at such an incredible venue.”

Ilan Bluman (COL) galloped away with the red ribbon aboard his own eight-year-old German Sport Horse mare Acajou (Casallco x Chico’s Boy) with a time of 40.25 seconds. 

Third place went to Luis Sabino Goncalves (POR) and Scoop de Septon Z (Hunters Scendro x Echo Van T Spieveld), a nine-year-old Zangersheide gelding owned by Sigma Stables LLC. Goncalves and Scoop De Septon Z gave the track their all, stopping the clock at 40.75 seconds to round out the top three.

International competition continues tomorrow, December 15 at 8am with the $40,000 1.45m Two Phase Special CSI3* and don’t miss the $150,000 Florida Coast Equipment Grand Prix CSI3* on Friday, December 15 at 7pm in the WEC Grand Arena! Winter Wonderland parking fees apply.

Final Results $50,000 LeMieux Grand Prix Qualifier CSI 3*

1) Todd Minikus (USA) & Amex Z: 2009 Zangersheide mare by Andiamo Z x Landaris, Bit By Bit Group: 0 / 0 / 39.16 

2) Ilan Bluman (COL) & Acajou: 2015 German Sport Horse mare by Casallco x Chico’s Boy, Ilan Bluman: 0 / 0 / 40.25 

3) Luis Sabino Goncalves (POR) & Scoop de Septon Z: 2014 Zangersheide gelding by Hunters Scendro x Echo Van`T Spieveld, Sigma Stables LLC: 0 / 0 / 40.75 

4) Sharn Wordley (NZL) & Mick Jagger: 2008 Hanoverian stallion by Chacco-blue x Dobel’s Cento, Della Wordley: 0/0/41.44 

5) Fernando Cardenas (COL) & Cool Ray Na: 2014 NAS stallion by Quincy Car x Kannan, B&C, LLC: 0 / 0 / 42.18 

6) Luis Sabino Goncalves (POR) & Vick du Croisy: 2009 Selle Français mare by Lord Carthago x Vondeen, Sigma Stables LLC: 0 / 4 / 40.03 

7) Grace Debney (GBR) & Boheme de La Roque: 2011 Selle Français mare by Kannan x Quick Star, Temple Equestrian LLC: 0/4/42.91 

8) Diego Perez Bilbao (ESP) & AB’s Classic Blue: 2014 Danish Warmblood gelding by VDL Zirocco Blue x Cacao Courcelle , Over Fences Farm: 0/12/45.21 

9) Sharn Wordley (NZL) & Brin d`Or de Haute Melen Z: 2014 Zangersheide gelding by Bamako De Muze x Baloubet Du Rouet , Della Wordley: 0/WD 

10) Grace Long (AUS) & Happiness vd Hazel Hof: 2012 KWPN mare by Falaise De Muze, G & T Equestrian: 4 / 77.05 

11) Francisco Goyoaga Mollet (ESP) & Icarus: 2008 Belgian Warmblood stallion by Douglas x Sioux De Baugy , Ashland Farms: 4 / 77.17 

12) Gonzalo Busca (ESP) & Verlano: 2010 Mecklenburg gelding by Verdi Tn x Chellano, Stransky’s Mission Farms, Inc.: 4 / 77.44 

Source: Press Release (edited) from World Equestrian Center

Photos: © WEC / Andrew Ryback Photography

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