Ocala, Florida, USA – June 17, 2023 – The $40,000 Two Phase Special CSI 3* 1.45m closed out competition on Friday as 23 elite athletes competed over an intricate two-phase track designed by FEI Level III course designer Andy Christiansen (ECU). Aaron Vale (USA) and Thinkslikeahorse’s Elusive (Rodrigoo x Capfucino) set an uncatchable pace early on in the order to ultimately earn the victory.
Nine nations were represented in the class with the United States, Venezuela, Canada, Australia, Austria and Columbia all delivering fault-free rounds. Competition was fierce with the top three placings separated by less than one second.
Second in the order, Aaron Vale (USA) and the 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding delivered a seamless effort through fences one through six. The pair landed off the of the UF Health vertical and kicked into high gear, finishing the speed portion at an unbeatable 30.06 seconds.
“I had a simple plan, go fast, leave the jumps up and try to win the class,” laughed Vale.
Vale is excited to have more international competition at World Equestrian Center – Ocala, “It’s great to be able to qualify for international teams and gain FEI points all while I am able to sleep in my own bed at night,” said Vale.
“Having such a slate of classes with great prize money gives you a bit of a different mindset. You have to use your horses a little differently and there is a bit more strategy that goes into planning. It’s enjoyable and I am looking forward to having more international events here at World Equestrian Center.”
Luis Larrazabal (VEN) and the 13-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare, Belle de Muze (Pensee V x Lando), were right on their tail, stopping the clock at 30.56 seconds to slide into second place.
Third place was tied between Kaitlin Campbell (USA) and SWS Training and Sale’s Palina De L’Escaut (Perigueux x Gardeulan) and Aaron Vale (USA) and Thinkslikeahorse’s I. Adermie R 4 (Den Ham Blue R x Namelus R). Both pairings were electric in the speed phase, halting the timers at 30.66 seconds for a tie.
Spectators are encouraged to come out and cheer on their favorite athletes! There is no charge for admission or parking. If you are unable to attend in person, catch the class via live stream on ClipMyHorse.
Final Results – $40,000 Two Phase Special CSI 3* 1.45m
1) Aaron Vale (USA) & Elusive – 0 / 0 – 30.06
2) Luis Larrazabal (VEN) & Belle de Muze – 0 / 0 – 30.56
3) Kaitlin Campbell (USA) & Palina de L’Escaut – 0 / 0 – 30.66
3) Aaron Vale (USA) & I. Adermie R4 – 0 / 0 – 30.66
5) Sean Jobin (CAN) & & Coquelicot van het Hevelland Z – 0 / 0 – 32.65
6) Scott Keach (USA) & Cencorinue PS – 0 / 0 –36.43
7) Peter Petschenig (AUT) & Bull Run’s Prince of Peace – 0 / 0 – 37.15
8) Juan Pablo Gnecco (COL) & Le Roi – 0 / 0 – 37.33
9) Tom Foley (IRL) & Ibalis SMH – 1 / 0 – 34.09
10) Jacqueline Ruyle (USA) & Cyramo Z – 0 / 4 – 29.97
11) Quintyn Baeumier (CAN) & Haydn – 4 / 0 – 33.03
12) William Simpson (USA) & Quentin VA – 0 / 4 – 33.15
Source: Press Release from World Equestrian Center
Photos: © Andrew Ryback Photography
Categories: CSI 3*, English, Jumper News USA
