Ocala, Florida, USA – March 07, 2024 – It was an evening of excitement at World Equestrian Center – Ocala (WEC) on Thursday, for the $62,500 LeMieux Grand Prix Qualifier CSI 4*. From the impressive field of thirty horse-and-rider combinations representing 10 nations, it was hometown hero Aaron Vale (USA) who galloped to victory aboard Carissimo 25.

Gregory Bodo (FRA) and Pieter Vitse (BEL) designed the challenging course in the WEC Grand Arena, which saw 10 talented duos jump fault-free and advance to the jump-off. Fourth to return, Vale guided Carissimo 25, an 11-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Cascadello x Clinton) owned by Debbie Smith, to a lightning-fast clear performance in 38.84 seconds. Ultimately, Vale could not be caught, claiming his second international win in as many weeks, having also won the $100,000 MARS Equestrian Grand Prix CSI3* during the 2024 Winter Spectacular Show Series Week IX.

Out of the starting field, an even 10 combinations successfully navigated the challenges of the first round, earning the opportunity to return to the jump-off. Ultimately, only four managed to achieve a double clear effort.

Returning fourth in the order, Aaron Vale and Carissimo 25 (Cascadello x Clinton) aimed to secure the lead. “I knew from one to two I could get eight with his ability. Eight to the double was almost too slow for him. The seven to the liverpool was slow and patient feeling. Then I was quick and efficient everywhere else.” 

Vale and the 11-year-old Holsteiner gelding crossed the timers in an impressive 38.84 seconds, securing a time that proved unbeatable.

“Down the road, to be number one in the world, I think I am going to have to find a few more strides to take out,” laughed Vale. “Tonight was about the plan, we stuck to it, and I couldn’t be more thrilled.” 

Callie Schott (USA) and Garant, a 13-year-old KWPN gelding (Warrant x Verdi TN) owned by Southern Arches, LLC, came the closest to matching Vale’s time, stopping the clock in 39.87 seconds for second place. Canadian rider Sean Jobin (CAN) completed the top three with Coquelicot vh Heuvelland Z, a 12-year-old Zangersheide gelding (Catoki x Cassini II), in 40.50 seconds.

Vale has been selected to compete on the USA Team for the Longines League of Nations™ and is excited to compete for his nation on home turf, “I am really looking forward to it. It was a lot of fun to compete in Abu Dhabi and I think it will be even more fun here,” he continued. “I almost feel like there is more pressure this week because I feel like I can’t make a mistake. During [Longines League of Nations™] you know it’s going to be hard so if you get a rail, it’s understandable, but this week I feel like I have to perfect. So far, it’s going pretty good.” 

Final Results – $62,500 LeMieux Grand Prix Qualifier CSI 4*

1) Aaron Vale (USA) & Carissimo 25: 2013 Holsteiner gelding by Cascadello x Clinton, Debbie Smith: 0 / 0 / 38.84

2) Callie Schott (USA) & Garant: 2011 KWPN gelding by Warrant x Verdi Tn, Southern Arches, LLC: 0 / 0 / 39.87

3) Sean Jobin (CAN) & Coquelicot VH Heuvelland Z: 2012 Zangersheide gelding by Catoki x Cassini II, Foxridge Farms Stables: 0 / 0 / 40.50

4) Gabriela Reutter (CHI) & Castle OJ: 2013 Irish Sport Horse gelding by Sligo Candy Boy x High Roller, Lumiere Horses Inc.: 0 / 0 / 40.68

5) Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA) & Dhalida: 2014 Zangersheide mare by Diamant De Semilly x Calvaro Z , Artemis Equestrian Farm LLC: 0 / 4 / 39.79

6) Amy Millar (CAN) & Truman: 2009 Selle Francais gelding by Mylord Carthago*hn x Kolibri, Millar Brooke Farm: 0 / 4 / 41.81

7) Daniel Coyle (IRL) & Farrel: 2010 KPWN gelding by Cardento 933 x Stakkato , Ariel Grange: 0 / 4 / 42.32

8) Tiffany Foster (CAN) & Electrique: 2014 Zangersheide mare by Emerald x Voltaire, Cox: 0 / 9 / 56.37

9) Andre Thieme (GER) & Paule S: 2014 Oldenburg gelding by Perigueux x Sir Shutterfly, Andre Thieme: 0 / RT

9) Andre Thieme (GER) & DSP Chakaria: 2010 German Sport Horse mare by Chap 47 x Askari 173, Andre Thieme: 0 / WD

11) Lucy Davis (USA) & Ben 431: 2011 Westphalian gelding by Sylvain x Quincy Jones, Old Oak Group: 4 / 71.01

12) Quentin Judge (USA) HH Medarco PS: 2014 Oldenburg stallion by Messenger x Darco, Double H Farm + The Creel Family: 4 / 71.86

Source: Press Release from World Equestrian Center

Photo: © WEC / Andrew Ryback Photography

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