Ocala, Florida, USA – March 16, 2024 – The $24,000 C. Jarvis Insurance Welcome Prix saw a change of scenery this week as World Equestrian Center – Ocala gears up for the grand finale week of the 2024 Winter Spectacular Show Series and the Longines League of Nations™ Qualifier. Bernardo Costa Cabral (POR), an FEI Level IV course designer set the challenging tracks in the WEC Stadium for a field of 33 talented horse-and-rider combinations. With a license to thrill, Samantha Schaefer (USA) and Bonne Chance’s James Bond HX (Douglas x Trezebees) snagged the win in an exciting eight-horse jump-off.  

Dermott Lennon (IRL) was the first to return aboard Elan Farm’s King Kannan GP (Kannan x Warrant). Lennon and the nine-year-old Royal Dutch Sport Horse – Dutch Warmblood (KWPN) gelding set a quick pace, clocking in at an impressive 42.854 seconds. 

Several other combinations gave solid efforts, but none could match the time, with some falling victim to unfortunate rails along the way.

Samantha Schaefer (USA) was the second to last athlete to try and snag the win. Riding her 10-year-old Royal Dutch Sport Horse – Dutch Warmblood (KWPN) gelding, James Bond HX, Schaefer knew where she could make up some time, “I rode my plan. I made up a lot of time to the orange oxer and he was really great back to the MARS [Equestrian] oxer. I had a little touch behind in the out of the seven, but I think that helped me to the next vertical because I was a little deeper there than I wanted to be and he was very careful. Then, we found the last jump great.” 

Schaefer’s precision paid off as they crossed the finish line in 40.836 seconds, snatching the lead.

In a nail-biting finish, Tiffany Hammack (USA) aboard Foxwood Farm’s Ghana FS Z (Glasgow Vh Merelsnest x Uschi-vira) dashed around the course, falling just short of Schaefer’s time with a commendable 40.986 seconds, securing second place.

“It was really nice for a horse like ‘James’ who has been here all circuit to step into a different ring. I didn’t jump him Week VI in the Stadium, I showed Frasier, so this is a brand-new venue for him. He felt really fresh, and I can tell he really enjoyed it,” shared Schaefer. 

James Bond HX gets a nice break following a successful winter circuit at World Equestrian Center – Ocala, “This week is his last week showing. He will jump Saturday night, then get two much deserved weeks off. Then he’s going to go to Miami Beach for the [Longines Global Champions Tour] which his owners are really excited about.” 

Final Results – $24,000 C. Jarvis Insurance Welcome Prix

1) Samantha Schaefer (USA) & James Bond HX, Bonne Chance LLC: 0 | 0 | 40.836

2) Tiffany Hammack (USA) & Ghana FS Z, Foxwood Farm: 0 | 0 | 40.986

3) Dermott Lennon (IRL) & King Kannan G , Elan Farm: 0 | 0 | 42.854

4) Filippo Pignatti (ITA) & Ideaal Es, Take The High Road, LLC: 0 | 0 | 43.871

5) Beat Mandli (SUI) & Kay Grey, Grant Road Partners LLC: 0 | 3 | 52.472

6) Sarah Lottis (USA) & Rhapsody, Kevin Lottis: 0 | 4 | 40.412

7) Brooke Kemper (USA) & Quartier Van De Begijnakker, Sarah Campbell: 0 | 5 | 50.780

8) Nigel Potts (USA) & Orlando Van Klapscheut, CM Sporthorses, LLC: 0 | 12 | 47.363

9) Beat Mandli (SUI) & I. Umonia R 60, Grant Road Partners LLC: 1 | 72.636

10) Fernando Cardenas (COL) & Fano Car, Fernando Cardenas: 1 | 72.736 

Source: Press Release from World Equestrian Center

Photos: © WEC / Winslow Photography

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