Wilmington, Ohio – January 13, 2024 – The crowd in the Standlee Sanctuary cheered loudly as 16-year-old Amy Krebs (USA) earned her first ever grand prix win in the $30,000 Grand Prix sponsored by Tribute Equine Nutrition at WEC – Wilmington Winter Classic 5.

Krebs, the youngest rider in the field, and her own Jabantos (Corsari Van De Helle x Cassima) bested an eight-horse jump-off of nearly all professional riders.

Not only were they celebrated by their supportive friends and family of Fair Chance Farm, but the entire Saturday evening crowd including her competitors, “I have come so close to winning. I have been second twice, third and fifth. To finally be able to come out on top just feels so good. And the crowd here is so awesome. As I was cantering up to the last combination, I could hear them all already yelling, and I knew I could get it done!”

The junior rider of Franklin, Tennessee, rose to the pressure of the speedy field and spoke on her mindset as she entered for Joe Carnicom’s (USA) jump-off track.

“I had two in it tonight. It made me feel really confident knowing that I had two chances. I think having Jabantos second gave me a bit more confidence because I have been his partner for so long, we know each other inside and out. There were eight in the jump-off, so I knew I had to turn it up a notch. My first one was quick, but I had a rail. I checked the board when I came out to see what I had to do. I just tried to be speedy around the ends, and I have so much trust in him I was able to push it.”

As the second to last to go with her ten-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, Sam Pegg (CAN) was still to follow Krebs with his winningest Gin Tonic 158 (Graf Top x Hauptstutbuch).

Pegg posted the fastest time of 33.28 seconds with an unfortunate four faults out of the combination, securing Krebs’ first place position in 33.547 seconds. The young rider also claimed sixth place with her own Ike (Spartacus x Twister).

“I have so much support and everyone loves Elijah [Jabantos]. I think hands down he is everyone’s favorite in the barn. I might be a little biased, but he is so sweet, and he knows he is a good boy. He deserves it,” said Krebs.

Paul Halpern (CAN) and Vanessa Lee’s 12-year-old Holsteiner mare Esra (Bratt Z x Ulibra) capped off their two week stay at WEC – Wilmington with another confident second place finish in 35.721 seconds.

Last week’s dominant duo, Nicole Loochtan (USA) and her 10-year-old Belgian Sport Horse stallion It’s Me du Bosquetiau (Dayton Sitte x Mirette Du Bosquetiau), rounded out the top three with an efficient time of 35.855 seconds.

Final Results – $30,000 Tribute Equine Nutrition Grand Prix

1) Amy Krebs (USA) & Jabantos, Amy Krebs | 0 | 33.547

2) Paul Halpern (CAN) & Esra, Vanessa Lee | 0 | 35.721

3) Nicole Loochtan (USA) & It’s Me du Bosquetiau, Nicole Loochtan | 0 | 35.855

4) Sam Pegg (CAN) & Dolla 3, Sam Pegg | 0 | 38.568

5) Sam Pegg (USA) & Gin Tonic 158, Sam Pegg | 4 | 33.28

6) Amy Krebs (USA) & Ike, Amy Krebs | 4 | 35.381

7) Lyriss Jaeger (USA) & Fortysix & 2, Lyriss Jaegar | 4 | 41.914

8) Dan Kreitl (USA) & Horales, Kay Dixon | 8 | 40.087

9) Sam Pegg (CAN) & Formidable Diamant, Harlow Investment Enterprises LLC | 4 | 69.81

10) Wilhelm Genn (GER) & Quincidence, Wilhelm Genn | 4 | 71.504

Source: Press Release from World Equestrian Center

Photos: © WEC / Winslow Photography

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