Santiago Lambre Aboard Comtess Wins The $50,000 Live Oak International Longines Grand Prix Qualifier

Santiago Lambre from Brazil took home the win abroad Mario Onate’s horse Comtess in the CSI4* $50,000 Longines Grand Prix Qualifier with a fast time of 64.64 in the Table A Speed Class at the 31st Live Oak International in Ocala, Florida.

(Above Photo:  Santiago Lambre on Comtress, Credit - Erin Gilmore Photographs)

“Today was a nice course for a World Cup Qualifier, my horse was very good. I was taking risks at the beginning of the class, and she was fantastic. I didn’t think I would win, but in the end, it was my day. Many were faster than me today, but they had one down, or were a bit unlucky,” said Santiago Lambre. “Comtess is quick, so it was good preparation for the Grand Prix. I look forward to Sunday’s big class, I came with a very good horse to jump the Grand Prix, so I’m excited.”

Chloe Reid finished second on her mount Souper Shuttle owned by Live Oak Plantation LLC with a time of 65.34.

“I walked the course and I set a plan for myself, I know she is a really fast naturally, so I thought if I made some tighter corners, that I would have a quick time without using up too much for Sunday, where the ultimate goal is the Grand Prix,” said Chloe Reid. “I was close, but it was Santiago’s day.”

In third place was Will Simpson riding Chacco P with a time of 65.56.

Brooke Kemper and her mount Rocket J Squirrel won today’s CSI1* Classic Champions Welcome! The CSI1* is a new addition to the schedule at #liveoakinternational given more riders and horses the opportunity to compete in the world class arena.

“I thought the course was lovely, it was a nice opening round for the CSI1* division. It flowed nicely, there was a nice inside option, I thought it was a course that was great for all competitors. This was Rocket J Squirrel’s first outing in FEI. He is a nine-year-old that I have had since he was six and I have been developing him. I am very happy the way he jumped,” said Brooke Kemper.

Second and third went to Lawson Whitaker piloting Brownie and Cream with a 30.96 and Finch Farm Clifford with 31.56.

The CSI 4* $5,000 Welcome Table A Speed class blue ribbon went to Sean Jobin with Cuba Libre V with a time of 32.07.

“This is a new horse to me; I have only shown her four times. She has a huge stride and is super scopey. I was really excited to show her on the grass, the grass footing is so nice here, I wanted to show off a bit of the gallop. I played it nice and smooth the first half of the track and got to know the course and how she felt in all the corners, the second half she really opened and jumped sharp. I was super happy with her.”

Second place was taken home by Rowan Willis aboard Ashton Dakota with 33.01 and in third with a time of 33.05 was Andre Thieme with Crazy Girl V.

Driving kicked off day two at Live Oak International. In first place in the Intermediate Single Pony Dressage with a final score of 47.86 was USA’s Janelle Marshall with her pony Erresistible. Second place went to Riley Wiltison with Willows Aslan from USA with a close score of 57.16 and in third was Denice Klinger with Ironwood Xander from with a score of 57.73.

Competition continues at Live Oak International on March 5, with the exciting Marathon phase starting the day at 9am. For high-res photos of today, please visit here.

This unique event is a must see for spectators. In addition to some of the world’s best riders and drivers, this year Live Oak International will feature special presentations by the Grand View Clydesdales. Bigger and better than ever before and with something for everyone, spectators can enjoy the AdventHealth Ocala KidsZone, Audi Gainesville BierGarten, and the Stella Artois Airstream, Live Oak International is one not to miss.

Tickets and VIP packages are available. Visit https://liveoakinternational.com/buy-tickets/ to purchase your tickets.