Ocala, Florida, USA – June 21, 2023 – International competition resumed early on Wednesday morning in the WEC Grand Arena as 31 star-studded athletes representing 11 nations vied for the top prize in the $40,000 1.45m Speed CSI3*. Olympic Gold Medalist Will Simpson (USA) surpassed the field aboard Whoop De Doo (Mr. Whoopy x Double Trouble X) owned by 5 Roosters, galloping away with the victory.
World-renowned course designer Guilherme Jorge of Brazil crafted the speed tracks where 11 horse-and-rider combinations jumped clear.
Simpson and the 12-year-old Warmblood mare Whoop De Doo found a direct route in 62.89 seconds halfway through the order, establishing a tough time to beat for the remaining competitors.
“There weren’t too many real options, but a few tight rolls backs and I happen to really like those,” shared Simpson about the Speed track. “I could have gone faster, but I took a bit more of a conservative route, which I really have to work on. I usually stray away from the safe option with her because she’s so brave and careful. You usually can surprise her with a tight turn, because we practice them at home. She’s always keen to go and looks for the next jump. Today, she was on it.”
Starting his week off with a win, Simpson shared his thoughts, “The WEC Grand arena is big-time. The footing is always fantastic, and they have one of the best course designers in the world building this week. It’s a horseman’s playground here.”
Final Results – $40,000 Speed Challenge CSI 3* – 1.45m
1) William Simpson (USA) & Whoop De Doo: 2011 Warmblood mare by Mr. Whoopy x Double Trouble X , 5 Roosters – 0 – 62.89
2) Ashlee Bond (ISR) & Garfield: 2011 KWPN gelding by Chellthago Z x Numero Uno, Aurora Farms – 0 – 63.59
3) Thomas Foley (IRL) & Ibalius SMH: 2013 KWPN gelding by Everglade VDL x Burggraaf NV, Sher Al Farm – 0 – 64.85
4) Jad Dana (LBN) & Fleur-de-Lis’ Cherie: 2012 Holsteiner mare by Clarimo x Lancer II, The Cherie Group – 0 – 65.83
5) Kaitlin Campbell (USA) & Kaiser van het Lambroeck: 2010 Belgian Warmblood stallion by Nabab De Reve x For Pleasure, Camille Leblond – 0 – 66.90
6) Richard Spooner (USA) & Halcon: 2015 Argentinian Sport Horse stallion by Con Air x Cardento, Molly Ohrstrom 0/66.92
7) Stella Buckingham (USA) & Cash Money: 2012 Oldenburg gelding by Cristallo I x Escada, Santa Rosa Group – 0– 70.24
8) Dorothy Douglas (USA) & MTM Cedrick: 2013 Holsteiner gelding by Colman x Vicky VI, Nina Koloseike – 0 – 71.80
9) Stephanie Gallucci (CAN) & Jersey: 2014 KWPN mare by Brainpower x Ramira, Equine Partners International – 0 – 72.21
10) Stella Buckingham (USA) & Elien: 2009 KWPN mare by Carambole x Mermus R, Santa Rosa Group – 0 – 72.24
11) Captain Brian Cournane (USA) & Vittorio 12: 2011 Hanoverian gelding by Van Helsing x Carismo, Captain Brian Cournane – 0 – 73.19
12) Hunter Holloway (USA) & Liemba: 2014 Hanoverian mare by Gem of India x Valentino , Hays Investment Corp – 2 – 82.48
Source: Press Release from WEC – World Equestrian Center
Photo: © Andrew Ryback Photography
Categories: CSI 3*, English, Jumper News USA
