Wilmington, Ohio – December 21, 2024 – The crowd in the Standlee Sanctuary went quiet Saturday evening as Sarah Meier (USA) entered for the jump-off in the $30,000 Grand Prix of Christmas in the Midwest. Bobby Murphy (USA) designed the final track for 15 athletes that allowed only five to return for the tie breaker.

Meier saved the best for last, jumping one of only two double clear efforts aboard her own Nightshade SCF (Baldev x Olisina) to cap off the 2024 season with a grand prix victory.

“Going into the jump-off, there were only five in it and three had rails. I know Sam [Pegg] is hard to beat, but I didn’t feel like he went smoking fast,” she shared. “If I can put it together good enough, Nightshade always tries hard as long as I don’t mess it up,” Meier laughed.

Meier followed Sam Pegg (CAN) as he had just posted the only double clear effort aboard his own 11-year-old Holsteiner gelding, Casadimo (Cachas x Orissa S).

Pegg stopped the clock in 40.795 seconds, ultimately good enough for second place.

Meier and her 11-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding were in top form, never touching the brakes around the track for a time of 38.893 seconds.

“I had a little blip in October. I went home and did my maintenance, and he has jumped five consecutive clear Saturday nights here,” Meier was beaming about her mount.

“He loves this job, and he just gets it. You pull him out on Saturday evening and he knows. He doesn’t like to sit at home, he wants to go to the show. He basically jumps on the horse trailer!”

Richard Rinehart and the 13-year-old Zangersheide mare, The Diamant Rose Z (Toulon x Diamant Z), rounded out the top three with the quickest time of 35.502 seconds and an unfortunate four faults.

The team at Punchestown Stables waited at the in-gate with open arms to congratulate Meier, walking away with the final featured blue ribbon to close out Christmas in the Midwest.

“WEC is amazing. Everybody here is as nice and accommodating as can be. There is no other horse show out there like this one. You won’t go anywhere else where everyone tries to help you out like they do here. It is affordable, close to us, the footing is great and there are plenty of schooling opportunities,” Meier discussed her thoughts on WEC – Wilmington.

Final Results – $30,000 Grand Prix

1) Sarah Meier (USA) & Nightshade SCF, Sarah Meier | 0 | 38.893

2) Sam Pegg (CAN) & Casadimo, Sam Pegg | 0 | 40.795

3) Richard Rinehart (USA) & The Diamant Rose Z, Luke Rinehart | 4 | 35.502

4) Izzy Beisel (USA) & Vegas H, David Beisel | 4 | 36.921

5) Shannon Sullivan (USA) & Downtown’s Main Event, Shannon Sullivan | 8 | 36.251

6) Lani Hutchison (USA) & Duc De Jentiere, Lani Hutchison | 4 | 74.568

7) Patricio Rodriguez (MEX) & Icarus, Ashland Farms | 4 | 74.759

8) Ragan B. Roberts (USA) & Queen Bee Z, Ragan B. Roberts | 4 | 78.892

9) Kait Meggenhofen (USA) & Darius Du Reel, Windara Farms | 4 | 79.535

10) Molly Kindness (USA) & Liber T, Mole Hill Jm Ltd | 8 | 76.47

Source: Press Release (edited) from World Equestrian Center

Photos: © WEC / Winslow Photography

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