Ocala, Forida, USA – January 05, 2024 – The first Grand Prix of the 2025 Winter Spectacular Show Series at World Equestrian Center – Ocala electrified the WEC Grand Arena on an unseasonably cool evening, as spectators and exhibitors packed the stands to witness the $75,000 Tequila Scenario Grand Prix. In the end, Tracy Fenney (USA) and MTM Apple shone again, earning reserve honors in the most important class of the week there.

Oscar Soberon (USA) designed challenging tracks for 25 horse-and-rider pairs representing nine nations. The jump-off became a fierce international showdown between riders from New Zealand, the United States, Portugal, Germany, and Argentina, with several competitors qualifying multiple mounts. 

Sharn Wordley (NZL) opened the jump-off aboard Champion League, setting an efficient pace of 39.790 seconds. Aaron Vale (USA) followed with Mescandro PS, shaving the time down to 38.543 seconds.

However, Tracy Fenney (USA) and the 14-year-old Danish Warmblood mare, MTM Apple (Favorit Ask x Kong’s Whopsie), raised the bar with an impressive 37.547 seconds.

While others tried to match Fenney’s speed, none managed to come close until Wordley’s second ride, Brin d’Or de Haute Melen Z (Bamako De Muze x Perle D’or de Saulieu). Their time of 37.887 seconds came tantalizingly close, earning a temporary second place.  

Second-to-last in the order, Luis Sabino Gonçalves (POR) entered the arena with determination after an earlier misstep on his first mount, Vick du Croisy. 

Gonçalves and Scoop de Septon Z blazed through the timers in a stunning 36.437 seconds, securing the top spot.   

Final Results – $75,000 Tequila Scenario Grand Prix 

1) Luis Sabino Gonçalves (POR) & Scoop de Septon Z – 0 / 0 – 36.437

2) Tracy Fenney (USA) & MTM Apple – 0 / 0 – 37.547

3) Sharn Wordley (NZL) & Brin d’Or de Haute Melen Z – 0 / 0 – 37.887

Source: Press Release from World Equestrian Center

Photo: © WEC / Andrew Ryback Photography

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