The WEC Grand Arena was full of excitement this evening as four-star competition took center stage for the $62,500 LeMieux Grand Prix Qualifier CSI4*. Thirty elite Jumping combinations, representing 10 different nations, showcased their skills over Gregory Bodo (FRA) and Pieter Vitse’s (BEL) challenging course. In the end, it was Ocala’s own Aaron Vale (USA) who claimed the top spot on the leaderboard aboard Debbie Smith’s Carissimo 25 (Cascadello x Clinton).

(Photo:  Cover – Aaron Vale (USA) aboard Carissimo 25 won the $62,500 LeMieux Grand Prix Qualifier CSI4 at World Equestrian Center – Ocala. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography)

Out of the starting field, an even 10 combinations successfully navigated the challenges of the first round, earning the opportunity to return to the jump-off. Ultimately, only four managed to achieve a double clear effort.

Trailblazing the jump-off, Gabriela Reutter (CHI) and Lumiere Horses Inc.’s Castle Oj delivered an impressive clear round, setting the time to beat at a swift 40.68 seconds.

Canadian rider Sean Jobin elevated the competition aboard the stylish 12-year-old Zangersheide gelding Coquelicot Vh Heuvelland Z (Catoki x Cassini II), clocking in at 40.50 seconds and shaving a tenth of a second off the leading time.

Returning fourth in the order, Aaron Vale and Carissimo 25 (Cascadello x Clinton) aimed to secure the lead. “I knew from one to two I could get eight with his ability. Eight to the double was almost too slow for him. The seven to the liverpool was slow and patient feeling. Then I was quick and efficient everywhere else.”

Vale and the 11-year-old Holsteiner gelding crossed the timers in an impressive 38.84 seconds, securing a time that proved unbeatable.

“Down the road, to be number one in the world, I think I am going to have to find a few more strides to take out,” laughed Vale. “Tonight was about the plan, we stuck to it, and I couldn’t be more thrilled.”

Vale has been selected to compete on the USA Team for the Longines League of Nations™ and is excited to compete for his nation on home turf, “I am really looking forward to it. It was a lot of fun to compete in Abu Dhabi and I think it will be even more fun here,” he continued. “I almost feel like there is more pressure this week because I feel like I can’t make a mistake. During [Longines League of Nations™] you know it’s going to be hard so if you get a rail, it’s understandable, but this week I feel like I have to perfect. So far, it’s going pretty good.”

Callie Schott (USA) and Southern Arches, LLC’s Garant (Warrant x Verdi Tn) clinched the final double-clear ride with a swift pace. Schott and the 13-year-old KWPN gelding completed the course in 39.87 seconds, just one second short of the winning time.

$62,500 LeMieux Grand Prix Qualifier CSI4* Final Results:

1. CARISSIMO 25: 2013 Holsteiner gelding by Cascadello x Clinton

Aaron Vale (USA), Debbie Smith: 0/0/38.84

2. GARANT: 2011 KWPN gelding by Warrant x Verdi TN

Callie Schott (USA), Southern Arches, LLC: 0/0/39.87

3. COQUELICOT VH HEUVELLAND Z: 2012 Zangersheide gelding by Catoki x Cassini II

Sean Jobin (CAN), Foxridge Farms Stables: 0/0/40.50

4. CASTLE OJ: 2013 Irish Sport Horse gelding by Sligo Candy Boy x High Roller

Gabriela Reutter (CHI), Lumiere Horses Inc.: 0/0/40.68

5. DHALIDA: 2014 Zangersheide mare by Diamant De Semilly x Calvaro Z

Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA), Artemis Equestrian Farm LLC: 0/4/39.79

6. TRUMAN: 2009 Selle Français gelding by Mylord Carthago*HN x Kolibri

Amy Millar (CAN), Millar Brooke Farm: 0/4/41.81

7. FARREL: 2010 KPWN gelding by Cardento 933 x Stakkato

Daniel Coyle (IRL), Ariel Grange: 0/4/42.32

8. ELECTRIQUE: 2014 Zangersheide mare by Emerald x Voltaire

Tiffany Foster (CAN), 5 Roosters: 0/9/56.37

9. PAULE S: 2014 Oldenburg gelding by Perigueux x Sir Shutterfly

Andre Thieme (GER), Andre Thieme: 0/RT

10. DSP CHAKARIA: 2010 German Sport Horse mare by Chap 47 x Askari 173

Andre Thieme (GER), Andre Thieme: 0/WD

11. BEN 431: 2011 Westphalian gelding by Sylvain x Quincy Jones

Lucy Davis (USA), Old Oak Group: 4/71.01

12. HH MEDARCO PS: 2014 Oldenburg gelding by Messenger x Darco

Quentin Judge (USA), Double H Farm + The Creel Family: 4/71.86

 

Visit HorseShowing.com for final results.