Ocala, Florida, USA – June 13, 2024 – Top show jumping competition made a thrilling return under the lights of the WEC Grand Arena for the first feature event of the 2024 Summer Series: the $32,500 Grand Prix Qualifier CSI 2*. A star-studded field of 45 horse-and-rider combinations from 11 different nations competed over a challenging course designed by FEI Level III course designer Andy Christiansen (ECU). Fresh off a successful European tour, Aaron Vale (USA) came back to Ocala in top form, clinching the first feature win of the summer circuit with Thinkslikeahorse’s Prescott (Lordanos x Bb Carvallo).

Ten combinations from the United States, Ireland, El Salvador, Mexico, Great Britain, and Canada advanced to the jump-off after clear first rounds.

Vale and the 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding, Prescott, were the sixth pair to tackle the jump-off course. “From one to two, I think I caught two strides less than everybody else. Then, I cut one less to the combination, and then I was able to be patient to the next two fences. Going to the last, I was on a nice gallop and was able to leave out to the last too.”

The pair flew through the timers, stopping the clock in a blistering 35.63 seconds to ultimately take home the win.

Vale, listed on the U.S. Jumping Team Olympic Short List, has been competing across Europe in Nations Cup™ events and the Longines League of Nations™ series. His efforts contributed to a podium finish for the U.S. in the second leg of the Longines League of Nations at World Equestrian Center – Ocala in March. Reflecting on his experiences, Vale remarked, “Every show feels like the Super Bowl. Great crowds, great competition, and incredible horses. Traveling to incredible places like Rome and La Baule has been amazing and I am so grateful to be to compete at such amazing venues.”

Dylan Daly (IRL) was just shy of the top spot, finishing just six-tenths of a second behind Vale with Double C Stables’ 14-year-old Zangersheide mare Cinderella Z (Chacco-Blue x Julio Mariner XX), clocking in at 36.32 seconds.

Rounding out the podium was Juan Bolaños (ESA) and BZB Barn LLC’s Zilouet Mystic Rose (Balou Du Rouet x Chin Chin) with a time of 36.95 seconds.

Final Results – $32,500 Grand Prix Qualifier CSI 2*

1) Aaron Vale (USA) & Prescott  – 0 / 0 – 35.63

2) Dylan Daly (IRL) & Cinderella Z  – 0 / 0 – 36.32

3) Juan Bolanos (ESA) & Zilouet Mystic Rose  – 0 / 0 – 36.95

4) Tanner Korotkin (USA) & Kinmar Quality Hero  – 0 / 0 – 38.93

5) Maya Denis (MEX) &  Postin Ls La Silla  – 0 / 0 – 39.24

6) Paul O’Shea (IRL) & Spy  – 0 / 0 – 40.65

7) Tanner Korotkin (USA) & Lezaro  – 0 / 4 – 38.41

8) Dani Gascoigne (GBR) &  Jasper – 0 / 4 – 39.39

9) Hunter Holloway (USA) & Henry Jota Ariel – 0 / 4 – 46.06

10) Gavin Moylan (CAN) & Butterfly – 0 / 8 – 42.02

Source: Press Release from the World Equestrian Center

Photos: © WEC / Andrew Ryback Photography

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