Ocala, Florida, USA – June 14, 2023 – Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) competition kicked off early Wednesday morning at World Equestrian Center – Ocala as riders gathered for the $40,000 Speed Challenge CSI 3*. The sun was shining over the WEC Grand Arena for the beginning of the 2023 Ocala Summer Series, setting the scene for Tracy Fenney (USA) and MTM Apple (Favorit Ask x Willemoes) as they claimed the victory over FEI Level III course designer Andy Christiansens’s (ECU) technical track.
The 12-year-old Danish Warmblood mare, MTM Apple owned by MTM Farm, is a fan favorite at WEC – Ocala and stepped back into the Grand Arena right where she left off from the winter series.
“We haven’t competed since March. I just figured I would do this class, I wouldn’t normally do this class, but I wanted to get her in the ring and have something nice to warm up on. I just went in, and I know she’s naturally fast, so I didn’t have to push her hard. I thought it was a good class to loosen her up to get ready for the week,” said Fenney.
With her large stride and quick, careful form, MTM Apple jumped a blazing fast fault-free round in 63.98 seconds with Fenney in the irons to top the leaderboard in the $40,000 Speed Challenge CSI 3*. “I didn’t do any leave outs. From two to three she was really good. The one line walked an eight, and I thought the seven was there, but I landed and rolled away and didn’t quite see the seven. We just stayed tidy.”
“Her routine is a little out of sorts with FEI, because she can’t go home to her favorite tree in her paddock. She loves scratching on the tree. I am little worried about her; I hope it doesn’t throw a wrench in our performance,” Fenney laughed about Apple’s routine.
In second place was Aaron Vale (USA) and the 12-year-old Anglo-European Sport Horse gelding Cristo Beech (It’s The Business x Cantero). The experienced duo mirrored Fenney’s track, but fell just behind the leading time landing from the final oxer in 64.76 seconds to kick off his upcoming FEI weeks with a top finish.
Sharn Wordley (NZL) rounded out the podium with Brin d’Or de Haute Melen Z (Bamako De Muze x Baloubet Du Rouet). The nine-year-old Zangersheide gelding was incredibly careful around the track and jumped a confident round with Wordley in the irons. The duo crossed the timers in 65.51 seconds to add a top three placing to their record.
Final Results – $40,000 Speed Challenge CSI3*
1) Tracy Fenney (USA) & MTM Apple – 0 – 63.98
2) Aaron Vale (USA) & Cristo Beech – 0 – 64.76
3) Sharn Wordley (NZL) & Brin d’Or de Haute Melen Z – 0 – 65.51
4) Aaron Vale (USA) & I. Adermie R 4 – 0 – 65.71
5) Kaitlin D. Campbell (USA) & Diacco-Blue – 0 – 68.24
6) Kaitlin D. Campbell (USA & Palina de L`Escaut – 0 – 68.24
7) Richard Spooner (USA) & Quirado RC – 0 – 68.36
8) Nicky Galligan (IRL) & London`s de Muze – 0 – 70.18
9) Sean Jobin (CAN) & Coquelicot VH Heuvelland Z – 0 – 70.94
10) Sean Jobin (CAN) & Sterrehof`s Edinus – 0 – 75.05
11)) Anna Christina Gansauer (ECU) & Day Dream – 0 – 77.44
12) Jacqueline Ruyle (USA) & Cyramo Z 4/65.19
Source: Press Release from World Equestrian Center
Photos: © Andrew Ryback Photography
Categories: CSI 3*, English, Jumper News USA
