Ocala, Florida, USA – January 31, 2025 –  International competition kicked off early Friday morning in the WEC Grand Arena, with the spotlight on the $32,000 Budweiser Grand Prix Qualifier CSI 2*. Thirty-two elite horse-and-rider combinations from 11 nations battled for top honors, but it was Alise Oken (USA), last to go, who stole the show aboard her brand-new partner, Lady Lex (Entertainer x Eldorado V/d Zeshoek), owned by Hi Hopes Farm.  

FEI Level IV course designer Leopoldo Palacios (VEN) and FEI Level III course designer Peter Grant (CAN) crafted yet another challenging track, with 10 combinations navigating clear rounds to secure a spot in the jump-off.  

Carlos Hank Guerreiro (MEX) was the second to return and the first to post a clear jump-off, stopping the clock at 45.55 seconds aboard Kay’s Pleasure Hero Z. Oken returned first with her steadfast partner, Gelvera, shaving the time down to 44.04 seconds.  

Lucy Deslauriers (USA) upped the ante with the nine-year-old Selle Français mare Starlet, owned by Luja LLC, taking the lead in 43.88 seconds.

However, her time didn’t hold for long. 2024 Olympic Gold Medalist Christian Kukuk (GER) executed an impressive inside turn to the Alltech oxer aboard Beerbaum Stables’ eight-year-old Hanoverian mare Viki Van Gogh (Van Gogh x Now Or Never M), slicing crucial fractions off the clock to take the lead in 43.40 seconds.  

Several riders made attempts to unseat Kukuk, but none could match his time—until Oken returned for one final shot at victory. Competing in just her first 1.45m class with Lady Lex, Oken knew she had a special partner.  

“This was actually our first 1.45m together. I got her in September last year from Michael Greeve (NED) in Holland. As soon as I saw her, I instantly loved her. She’s so intelligent and careful—we clicked immediately.” 

That connection was on full display as Oken and the nine-year-old KWPN mare delivered a blistering time of 40.74 seconds, securing the win.  

Oken credited the key inside turn for her success. “I didn’t even consider it with Gelvera, but then Christian did it, and I thought, ‘Well, okay, it’s there.’ I knew this mare—she’s so brave and game. She sighted right in on it and handled it beautifully. She’s naturally so quick; I just let the cat out of the bag, and she stayed with me. I am so happy with her.”   

Looking ahead, Oken is eager for upcoming major events at WEC – Ocala. “I love it here. I’m based in Wellington, but I come whenever I can. The amount of money they’ve put into this facility and the FEI shows is incredible. I’ll do the World Cup™ with Gelvera, and I’m excited for the Longines League of Nations™ event here in a few weeks.”  

Final Results – $32,000 Budweiser Grand Prix Qualifier CSI 2* – 1.45m

1) Alise Oken (USA) & Lady Lex – 0 / 0 – 40.74

2) Christian Kukuk (GER) & Viki Van Gogh – 0 / 0 – 43.40

3) Lucy Deslauriers (USA) & Starlet– 0 / 0 – 43.88

Source: Press Release from World Equestrian Center

Photos: © WEC / Andrew Ryback Photography

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