Wilmington, Ohio – February 01, 2025 –The $30,000 Grand Prix of World Equestrian Center – Wilmington (WEC) Winter Classic 8 proved technical as only two riders advanced to the jump-off phase. Robert Barton built the track that saw Lani Hutchison (USA) and Sam Pegg (CAN) battle for the top prize.

Pegg and his own 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding, Casadimo (Cachas x Orissa S), returned first for the short course, securing a double-clear effort stopping the timers in 36.51 seconds.

Hutchison came after, “Obviously Sam [Pegg] is a very good rider. I have always looked up to him. I told my dad that I was just happy with the top two in general,” she laughed. “Being right after him in the jump-off I told myself to go for it and Duke was great.”

Hutchison entered with Duc de Jentiere making a tidy track and an inside turn to the combination that was just enough to secure the win in 35.342 seconds and move Pegg into second.

“We imported Duke about a year ago. We bought him to take me into the 1.50m and teach me the ropes,” Hutchison shared on her partnership with her fan-favorite 12-year-old Selle Français gelding.

“Looking at the course, it was a little bit technical. I ride a bit more cautious when it is technical, and it ended up being lovely. It was exactly the kind of course that challenges me, and I love that.”

“It was a little hard for me to figure him out because my first horse was so different from him. It has been a lot of fun getting to know him. He is definitely a barn favorite!”

Hutcihson expressed her gratitude to her barn family that joined her in the winner’s circle, “I have been with Charlotte [Clark] at Kendalwood Farm for about two years. I have made so many friends, and I love Charlotte. She has done so much for my confidence, and I can’t thank her enough.”

Lanie Thomas (CAN) was the fastest four-faulter aboard Neil Badcock’s nine-year-old Warmblood mare, Zendaya, to round out the top three.

Final Results – $30,000 Grand Prix of World Equestrian Center – Wilmington

1) Lani Hutchison (USA) & Duc de Jentiere, Lani Hutchison | 0 | 35.342

2) Sam Pegg (USA)& Casadimo, Sam Pegg | 0 | 36.51

3) Lanie Thomas (USA) & Zendaya, Neil Badcock | 4 | 74.26

4) Danielle Urban (USA) & Maverick, Leah Kennedy | 4 | 76.269

5) Sam Pegg (CAN) & Formidable Diamant, Harlow Investment Enterprises LLC | 4 | 77.357

6) Danielle Urban (USA) & Falco de Vesquerie, Danielle Urban | 4 | 78.432

7) Sam Pegg (CAN) & Casey H, Harlow Investment Enterprises LLC | 78.778

8) Sam Pegg (CAN) & Comme Cartani, Sam Pegg | 4 | 78.978

9) Ragan Roberts (USA) & Queen Bee Z, Ragan Roberts | 4 | 79.377

10) Molly Kindness (USA) & HJ Blind Date, Molly Kindness | 4 | 80.121

Source: Press Release from World Equestrian Center

Photos: © WEC – Ocala / Winslow Photography

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