Kama Godek & Charissa Capture $30,000 Grand Prix Win of WEC – Wilmington Winter Classic II

By Jumper News USA on December 7, 2025

Wilmington, Ohio – December 07, 2025 – The Standlee Sanctuary at WEC – Wilmington, transformed into a winter wonderland, set the scene for the first $30,000 Grand Prix of the 2026 Winter in the Midwest Series. A competitive jump-off followed, but it was no match for Kama Godek (USA) and her seasoned mare, Charissa (Clarimo x Urmel VI).

After giving her decorated mare some well-earned downtime at home, Godek spoke about her return to the ring before heading south.

“I let her be a happy hacker at home for the last couple of weeks, and I realized if I didn’t get her in the ring before I got to Florida, it would end up being a long time,” she laughed. “I love this horse show, and I know the footing is going to be good, so I wanted to give her a really positive experience before we go. That’s why I decided to bring her here.”

With ten returning for the jump-off, she shared her strategy for navigating a competitive field.

“I didn’t necessarily want to make it a race, and I didn’t want to go too fast on her. She’s deceptively quick, and she has a very large stride, so I normally have to wait in the lines. I decided to do the leave-outs. I watched Izzy Beisel, who went first. Her horse also has a big stride, so I knew I could do one less everywhere.”

The 14-year-old Holsteiner mare made light work of the track, crossing the timers in an effortless 34.72 seconds.

Sam Pegg (CAN) tried his hand at the leading time but fell just short aboard Harlow Investment Enterprises’ eight-year-old Holsteiner mare, Casey H (Cassin x D-Arielle), earning second place in 35.79 seconds.

Izzy Beisel (USA) and her 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, Contigo (Carombolle), rounded out the top three in 36.975 seconds.

When asked how the facility has helped prepare her horses for their upcoming season in Florida, Godek emphasized the welcoming atmosphere that keeps her coming back.

“I love it. Everyone is so friendly—that’s the biggest thing. It’s enjoyable to show here, not just because the facility is clean and the footing is good, but because everyone—from the in-gate people to the ring crew to the secretaries—makes it such a nice experience. I really enjoy the whole environment, and everyone is genuinely kind.”