Thrilling Competition

Thrilling equestrian sport filled the WEC Grand Arena today for the $75,000 Grand Prix sponsored by Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club and the $7,500 Futures Prix. Courses for the classes were designed by Catsy Cruz of Mexico and featured winding tracks with multiple combinations and jump-offs that rewarded a steady, accurate ride.

Photo – Santiago Lambre takes 1st and 2nd place in the $75,000 Grand Prix was sponsored by Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club.

This evening’s $75,000 Grand Prix was sponsored by Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club, where the LPGA Drive On Championship presented by Volvik is being held this weekend. In honor of the event, a stunning decorative putting green was added to the large water feature inside of the WEC Grand Area. Twenty-seven entries took a swing at the 1.50m track under the lights this evening, but Santiago Lambre was on par, taking 1st and 2nd place aboard his own Comtess and Easy Girl (Conthargos x Nanina), respectively.

One of the first entries to jump a clear first round was Bryn Sadler and Showcase 81, LLC’s Cinven CR (Clearway x Raissa CR). Sadler and the 13-year-old Holsteiner gelding have earned several ribbons in feature jumper classes throughout the World Equestrian Center – Ocala Winter Spectacular including two 2nd places in $20,000 Welcome Prix classes. Tonight the pair jumped a clear first round in 82.905 seconds, well within the time allowed of 87 seconds, securing a spot in the jump-off.

Mexico’s Santiago Lambre and his own Comtess were next to jump a clear first round. Lambre and his scopey mare topped the $20,000 Welcome Prix during Week 4 of the World Equestrian Center – Ocala Winter Spectacular and returned to the WEC Grand Area tonight searching for another win. The duo left all rails up in the first round in 82.957 seconds, ensuring a return on the short course.

Lambre also secured a spot in the jump-off aboard his own Easy Girl (Conthargos x Nanina). Lambre and the 10-year-old mare have taken several top placings in various feature jumper classes throughout the World Equestrian Center – Ocala Winter Spectacular, even finishing in 2nd place in the $75,000 WEC Grand Prix during Week 4. The pair was also quick and clear in a time of 82.536.