Dorothy Douglas & MTM Chelsea 98 Master the Course to Win $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix

By on 17 17America/Sao_Paulo March 17America/Sao_Paulo 2021

Ocala, Florida, USA – March 12 , 2021 – The Ocala Winter Finals have long served to be a big week for Hunters at the Hits Ocala Winter Circuit, featuring World Champion Hunter Rider Week and showcasing hunters in the Grand Prix Ring and Main Hunter Ring. This week featured the third $25,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, $1,500 USHJA Pony Hunter Derby, and top-notch Hunter competition in the ‘Horse Capital of the World’®. Along with spectacular Hunter competition, the Ocala Winter Finals hosted the $7,500 Marshall & Sterling Children’s and Adult Jumper Classics, $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix and $50,000 Hits Ocala Grand Prix in the Stadium.

With just two weeks left in the Circuit, riders are giving it their all in an effort to earn points toward the Tack Shack of Ocala 2nd-Half Circuit and Pyranha Overall Circuit Awards, which will be presented at the Ocala Championship (X), Sunday, March 28, prior to the seventh Great American $1 Million Grand Prix – watch live on ShowHorse TV!

Along with securing first in the USHJA National Hunter Derby, Douglas claimed a top ribbon in Friday’s featured jumper competition. Douglas held the only double clear in the $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix aboard MTM Chelsea 98 in 42.073. While she’s no stranger to the Winner’s Circle, this was Douglas’ first Grand Prix win at Hits Ocala this season. “Everything seemed to work out on Friday,” said Douglas about her jump-off. “I might have been a little bit conservative speed-wise but was the only one to jump double clear.”

“We’ve had her [MTM Chelsea 98] for about two years now and to me, she’s one of those horses that you can go and try to win every class,” said Douglas. “She’s been stepping up and keeps surprising us that she’s jumped as big as she has. She won a class at Hits Chicago this past summer and has had good ribbons all circuit so she definitely deserved the win on Friday. She’s been so consistent and awesome!”

As you make your plans to join us for the Hits Ocala Winter Circuit, please be sure to review the USEF Covid Protocol and the Hits Covid Protocol prior to your arrival. Read on for a recap of featured class winners from the Ocala Winter Finals or click here to enter for the Hits Ocala Winter Circuit!