Ocala, United States – January 24, 2026 –  It was standing room only at World Equestrian Center – Ocala (WEC) for the $120,000 Ascentѐ Aviation Grand Prix CSI 3*. A special Ascentѐ Aviation helicopter flyover kicked off the evening before 27 top horse-and-rider combinations took center stage. In the end, Charlotte Jacobs (USA) represented the host nation on the podium by riding Instrumental towards a second-place finish in the feature class there.

Besides the eventual winners, Lauren Balcomb (AUS) and her longtime partner Verdini d’Houtveld Z, Jacobs (USA) was the only other athlete to produce a double-clear effort. She piloted North Star’s 11-year-old Swedish Warmblood mare Instrumental (Qualdandro x Indoctro) to a clear round in 46.00 seconds to claim second place.

Of the remaining two jump-off contenders, it was Thursday’s Grand Prix Qualifier winners Sean Jobin (CAN) and Antrim Equestrian’s 10-year-old Selle Français mare Grande Dame DK (By Ceira D’ick x Kannan) who earned the yellow ribbon with a time of 46.93 seconds after lowering one rail.

In addition to the win, the champions of Saturday night’s $120,000 Ascentѐ Aviation Grand Prix CSI 3* were awarded a round-trip helicopter charter from Ocala, Florida, to Wellington, Florida. The experience includes transportation for up to six passengers with a single pilot, or a comparable trip based on equivalent airtime, courtesy of Bridgeway and Ascentѐ Aviation. Balcomb was thrilled with the prize, sharing, “I am so excited! This will be my first-ever helicopter ride.”

About Ascentѐ Aviation

Ascentѐ Aviation elevates the World Equestrian Center experience through luxury helicopter transportation. Based in Ocala, Ascentѐ Aviation connects an elite equestrian lifestyle with speed, comfort, and precision, providing seamless access to premier destinations and allowing guests to spend less time in transit and more time where it matters most. At the highest level, time is the ultimate luxury.

Interested in a charter? Contact Marisel Brignoni at mbrignoni@ascenteaviation.com.

Final Results – $120,000 Ascentѐ Aviation Grand Prix CSI 3*

1) Lauren Balcomb (AUS) & Verdini D’houtveld Z – 0 / 0 – 44.91

2) Charlotte Jacobs (USA) & Instrumental – 0 / 0 – 46.00

3) Sean Jobin (CAN) & Grande Dame DK – 0 / 0 – 46.93

Source: Press Release (edited) from World Equestrian Center

Photo: © WEC / Andrew Ryback Photography

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