Ocala, Florida, USA – February 01, 2025 – Ocala celebrated 250 years of the United States Marine Corps with the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, setting the stage for an unforgettable night of tribute and top sport at the $200,000 Armed Services Grand Prix CSI 4*, presented by the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation. The night kicked off with parachuters soaring into the arena, a special appearance by the U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard, and the Caisson Horses, creating an electric atmosphere. Athletes representing 12 nations took to the WEC Grand Arena and one american managed to finish amongst the top three: Richard Spooner (USA).

FEI Level IV course designer Leopoldo Palacios (VEN) and FEI Level III course designer Peter Grant (CAN) set an impressive track that challenged the field. Just four combinations managed to find a path to a clear first round, setting up a thrilling jump-off featuring 2024 Olympic Gold Medalist Christian Kukuk (GER), accomplished U.S. rider Hunter Holloway, ‘Master of Faster’ Richard Spooner (USA), and the lightning-fast Ilan Bluman.

Reflecting on the first-round course, Richard Spooner (USA) praised Palacios’ design: “I am a huge fan of Leopoldo’s. I have been my whole career. Leopoldo makes you think; he keeps you on your toes. There is always something you have to ruminate about. Tonight, the track was careful and kept you on your game the entire time.”

Hunter Holloway (USA) and Henry Jota Ariel gave it their all but incurred two unfortunate rails, crossing the timers in 41.74 seconds.

Richard Spooner (USA) followed aboard his newer mount, Lyjanair (Lyjanero x Coriano), a 11-year-old Holsteiner gelding owned by Show Jumping Syndications Int’l. Attempting an incredibly tight rollback to fence two, he couldn’t quite get there, resulting in a four-fault score and a time of 50.72 seconds.

As the final rider in the jump-off, Bluman aimed to snatch victory from Kukuk. “I wanted to go fast. I wanted to be efficient from one to two, then gallop to three and gallop to the oxer. I was able to protect her a little more to the double. Coming to the last one, there was no other option—I had to keep going forward. She’s a quick horse, and I knew I was going to be fast.”

Bluman and Acajou soared over the final oxer, stopping the clock in a mere 39.24 seconds to secure the win. Christian Kukuk (GER) earned reserve honors while Spooner held third place.

Final Results – $200,000 Armed Services Grand Prix CSI 4*

1) Ilan Bluman (COL) & Acajou – 0 / 0 – 39.24

2) Christian Kukuk (GER) & Just Be Gentle – 0 / 0 – 41.95

3) Richard Spooner (USA) & Lyjanair – 0 / 4 – 50.72

Source: Press Release from World Equestrian Center

Photos: © WEC / Andrew Ryback Photography

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