Ocala, Florida, USA – February 23, 2024 – The highlight international event of the day was the $15,000 Two-Phase Special CSI 3* – 1.45m where elite horse-and-rider combinations navigated Peter Grant’s (CAN) challenging two-phase track. Samantha Schaefer (USA) claimed victory on Bonne Vie LLC’s Frasier, outpacing the competition by nearly two seconds and securing a repeat win from December’s CSI 3*.

Only four combinations managed to jump both phases of Grant’s intricate track fault-free. Despite not feeling her best, Schaefer still wanted to win, “I had the plan to come and complete the round today, but I am competitive, and Frasier felt nice and fresh,” she added. “The course suited him. He loves the two-phase because I can ease into it and toward the end of the course, he already likes to get on a big stride, so I just am able to roll with it. “ 

“There were a few lines I had to balance because he has such a big step. I think where I probably had the class was where I slid before the tree to last jump, which I don’t think anyone else did, and that saved me a lot of time.” 

After Schaefer and the 13-year-old Royal Dutch Sport Horse – Dutch Warmblood (KWPN) gelding landed off the triple combination, they kicked into high gear, dashing around the track to stop the clock at 41.98 seconds for the win. 

Schaefer expressed her gratitude for her support team behind-the-scenes, “I am so thankful for everybody helping me out this week. The team at Shadow Ridge helped keep Frasier in the groove when I needed to rest. On a week like this it’s important to have a good team, and I really do.” 

Rowan Willis (AUS) and his own 13-year-old Warmblood mare Wellington Grey Goose claimed second place with a time of 43.76 seconds in the second phase. 

Sean Jobin (CAN), aboard Antrim Equestrian’s 15-year-old Royal Dutch Sport – Dutch Warmblood (KWPN) gelding Sterrehof’s Edinus (Padinus x Columbus), rounded out the podium with a time of 46.28 seconds.

Final Results – $15,000 Two-Phase Special CSI 3* – 1.45m

1) Samantha Schaefer (USA) & Frasier: 2010 KWPN gelding by Carambole x Padinus , Bonne Vie LLC: 0 / 0 / 41.98

2) Rowan Willis (AUS) & Wellington Grey Goose: 2011 Warmblood mare by Corlensky G, Rowan Willis: 0 / 0 / 43.76

3) Sean Jobin (CAN) & Sterrehofs’s Edinus: 2015 KWPN gelding by Padinus x Columbus, Antrim Equestrian: 0 / 0 / 46.28

4) Jill Gaffney (USA) & FF Blade Runner: 2014 Irish Sport Horse stallion by Air Jordan x Guidam, Freestyling Farms LLC: 0 / 0 / 49.65

5) Sharn Wordley (NZL) & Hagelin: 2012 Hanoverian gelding by Stolzenberg , Della Wordley: 0 / 4 / 40.93

6) Dani Gascoigne (GBR) & Jasper: 2014 KWPN stallion by Carrera Vdl x Otangelo, York Story Limited: 0 / 4 / 44.21

7) Aaron Vale (USA) & Styles: 2016 Belgian Warmblood gelding by Cornet Obolensky, Donald Stewart: 0 / 4 / 44.79

8) Luis Sabino Goncalves (POR) & Vick du Croisy: 2009 Selle Francais mare by Lord Carthago x Vondeen, Sigma Stables LLC: 0 / 4 / 45.77

9) Anna Christina Gansauer (ECU) & Chacco Prescilla PS: 2014 Oldenburg mare by Elvis Ter Putte x Stakkatol
, Kandor Farm LLC: 0 / 4 / 47.86

10) Kama Godek (USA) & Charisma: 2011 Holsteiner mare by Clarimo x Casall, Kama Godek: 0 / 8 / 48.41

Source: Press Release from World Equestrian Center

Photos: © WEC / Andrew Ryback Photography

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