Amanda Harris & VDL Maverick Thrive in the $30,000 Shires Equestrian Grand Prix Victory at WEC – Wilmington

By Jumper News USA on April 8, 2026

Wilmington, Ohio – April 04, 2026 – The Standlee Sanctaury at World Equestrian Center – Wilmington (WEC) set the stage for the thrilling $30,000 Shires Equestrian Grand Prix of Winter Classic 17. Course designer Bobby Murphy designed the first-round track that allowed four partnerships to move onto the jump-off phase, but it was Amanda Harris (USA) who piloted her VDL Maverick to a well-deserved victory.

**Izzy Beisel** (USA) & **Diaz Barbotiere**

Izzy Beisel (USA) was the first rider to return aboard her own 13-year-old Selle Français gelding, Diaz Barbotiere (Messire Ardent x Quambera Barbotiere), and set a quick pace of 39.201 seconds in their typical fashion.

**Maria Blankemeyer** (USA) & **Reina Van Hellehof**

Charlotte Clark followed with her own Gold D’elle, incurring faults along the way. Maria Blankemeyer (USA) came next to challenge with Reina Van Hellehof (Gino H), a nine-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare.

Blankemeyer crossed the timers in a blazing fast time of 37.784 seconds with Harris left to challenge.

Having jumped numerous double clear efforts and top three finishes during the 2026 Winter in the Midwest Series, Harris noted “he’s been in top form all winter, so I think he was due for a win. It was exciting for sure.”

**Amanda Harris** (USA) & **VDL Maverick**

With her 14-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding, Harris flew around the short course to secure the win in 37.118 seconds.

The track was “actually really set up for me,” said Harris.” He has a bit of a short step, so I could kind of just ride up the lines nicely, and it just worked out for him.”

“I was wondering if Izzy [Beisel] was going to do the seven strides to the double, so when she didn’t, I thought, okay, I don’t have to. And then Maria [Blankemeyer] did, so I panicked. But my husband told me I just had to be smooth, smooth is fast, and that paid off today,” Harris shared.

Reflecting on her winter at the venue, Harris stated “I love it here. It’s been great for our young horses, and it’s great for the older horses too. The courses are always great. Bobby [Murphy] this week is obviously a great course designer, so that was really fun. It is just such a great atmosphere, and everyone who runs the show is amazing.”