Ocala, Florida, USA – January 13, 2023 – Crowds flocked to World Equestrian Center – Ocala for the second Saturday night event during the 12-week 2024 Winter Spectacular Show Series, the $100,000 Juniper Grand Prix. Twenty-nine of the world’s best show jumping athletes vied for the top prize over a challenging track crafted by FEI Level III course designer Ben Townley (GBR). In a thrilling 11-horse jump-off, Tracy Fenney (USA) had the crowd cheering as she flew over the final fence with MTM Apple (Favorit Ask x Kong’s Whopsie). 

A field of the world’s fastest competitors representing New Zealand, United States, Ireland, Portugal and Australia qualified to battle it out over Townley’s jump-off tracks. Out of the returning field, only five were able to jump double clear. 

Aaron Vale (USA) and I. Adermie R 4 (Den Ham Blue R x W.adermie 1) led the charge as the first pair to successfully navigate a clear round in the jump-off. The 11-year-old KWPN mare soared around the track in 36.370 seconds with Vale in the irons.

Daniel Coyle (IRL), riding his first entry Farrel (Cardento 933 x Becherry), a 14-year-old KWPN gelding owned by Ariel Grange, was hot on Vale’s heels, finding a time just four tenths of a second short in 36.832 seconds. 

Tracy Fenney (USA) entered the arena aboard MTM Apple with a winning mindset. “When she’s on, I know she’s ready to win it, and tonight she was on it. She has such a ginormous stride, I was able to leave out just about everywhere. I think we did one less in almost every spot.” 

The 13-year-old Danish Warmblood mare showcased her remarkable step, finding each fence on an open gallop, stopping the clock in a blistering fast 35.032 seconds, securing the lead and earning MTM Farm another grand prix victory during the 2024 Winter Spectacular Show Series. 

“Like Dorrie [Douglas] said last week, ‘you have to win the first one to win them all,’ laughed Fenney. “There’s no other feeling like winning on a Saturday night and walking down that ramp. To have the crowd go crazy and cheering you on is the best feeling. Apple has become such a favorite, everyone knows her and it makes it that much more fun.” 

Aaron Vale also secured the fastest four-faulter award with his other mount Prescott with a quick first round time of 72.525 seconds with one rail down. 

Audrey Muscari received the ‘Luck of the Draw’ award. 

Final Results – $100,000 Juniper Grand Prix

1) Tracy Fenney (USA) & MTM Apple, MTM Farm: 0 | 0 | 35.032

2) Aaron Vale (USA) & I. Adermie R 4,Thinkslikeahorse: 0 | 0 | 36.370

3) Daniel Coyle (IRL) & Farrel, Ariel Grange: 0 | 0 | 36.832

4) Daniel Coyle (IRL) & Quintin, & Ariel Grange: 0 | 0 | 37.041

5) Luis Sabino Goncalves (POR) & Scoop De Septon Z, Sigma Stables LLC: 0 | 0 | 37.578

6) Sharn Wordley (NZL) & Valentine Car, Fernando Cardenas: 0 | 4 | 35.684

7) Rowan Willis (AUS) & Wellington Grey Goose, Rowan Willis: 0 | 4 | 37.258

8) Aaron Vale (USA) & Elusive, Thinkslikeahorse: 0 | 4 | 38.372

9) Megan Wexler (USA) Psalm, Amen Corner Farm, LLC: 0 | 4 | 39.865

10) Brooke Kemper (USA) & Seaview Demonstration, , CM Sporthorses, LLC: 0 | 4 | 40.960

Source: Press Release from the World Equestrian Center

Photos: © WEC / Andrew Ryback Photography

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