Ocala, United States – February 08, 2026 – International competition came to a close on Sunday afternoon as 32 top horse-and-rider combinations representing 12 different nations vied for the lion’s share of the prize money in the feature class of the week. After a nail-biting seven-horse jump-off, representing the red, white and blue, Ashley Vogel (USA) and Otis Blue came close to conquering the blue ribbon in the $200,000 Marine Corps Heritage Foundation Grand Prix CSI 4*.

Canada’s Peter Grant set the closing grand prix tracks, with riders needing to carefully balance pace and precision to stay within the tight time allowed while keeping all the rails in place. The jump-off proved equally challenging, with only two of the seven combinations producing double-clear efforts.

Ashley Vogel (USA) was the first to return for the short course, piloting Voquest’s 12-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding Otis Blue (Jaguar van Paemel x Numero Uno) to a clear round in 49.57 seconds to set the early target.

Several riders attempted to catch the leading time but incurred faults along the way. It wasn’t until Jessica Mendoza (GBR) entered the ring with In The Air that the time was truly challenged.

The pair flew through the timers in 45.87 seconds, a time that ultimately proved unbeatable.

Ireland’s Daniel Coyle (IRL), fresh off a victory in the Grand Prix CSI2*, also returned for the jump-off aboard Ariel Grange’s 16-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding Farrel (Cardento 933 x Stakkato). Coyle laid down an even quicker time of 45.70 seconds, but an unlucky rail at the first fence dropped the pair into third place.

Final Results – $200,000 Marine Corps Heritage Foundation Grand Prix CSI 4*

1) Jessica Mendoza (GBR) & In The Air – 0 / 0 – 45.87

2) Ashley Vogel (USA) & Otis Blue – 0 / 0 – 49.57

3) Daniel Coyle (IRL) & Farrel – 0 / 4 – 45.70

Source: Press Release from World Equestrian Center – Ocala

Photo: © WEC / Andrew Ryback Photography

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