Ocala, Florida, USA – June 28, 2023 – Three-star international show jumping competition took over the WEC Grand Arena once again during the 2023 Ocala Summer Series at World Equestrian Center – Ocala with the $40,000 1.45m Speed CSI 3*. World-renowned course designer Alan Wade (IRL) set the opening tracks, where Jad Dana (LBN) ran away with the win aboard Fleur-de-lis’ Cherie (Clarimo x Lancer II) owned by The Cherie Group.
Thirty-one starters raced against the clock over Wade’s winding tracks, 14 went clear.
Jad Dana (LBN) and Fleur-de-lis’ Cherie were the third to last pair to attempt the speed track, “I was lucky to be at the end of the order, I was able to watch a few. But honestly, I think even if I went at the beginning, my plan would have been very similar. The track I rode, was what I walked. Thankfully today, I was able to execute it well and she was right there for me.”
Dana utilized the 11-year-old Holsteiner mare’s speed across the ground and rideability in the turns to stop the clock at a blistering 56.47 seconds.
Thirty-one starters raced against the clock over Wade’s winding tracks, 14 went clear.
Dana spoke about his partnership with the nimble mare, “She is incredible. She’s owned by The Cherie Group, very good friends of Leslie Howard and I. They have been extremely supportive, they bought Cherie as an investment horse, but she’s been extremely valuable in my string. She wins all the time, like she did today. She’s fantastic, competitive and you know when you go in the ring you have a chance. I am extremely thankful and grateful for this group to believe in us and for everyone’s support.”
The young professional spoke about his experience at World Equestrian Center – Ocala, “My experience at WEC has been fantastic. The stabling is the best there is for the horses. As hot as it is outside, the horses go back in their stalls and it’s very cool inside. You’re not stuck to just riding outdoors, you are able to ride inside and the indoors are so nice to ride in,” Dana shared.
“The night classes, the atmosphere is amazing, the level is great. It’s very hard to win here, the jump-offs are extremely fast, but if you want to be the best, you have to compete against the best. Then when you win, it feels great,” Dana remarked.
Last week’s winner of the $40,000 1.45m Speed CSI3* Will Simpson (USA) had a clean effort in 57.40 seconds with Quentin VA (Quarx x Cash And Carry), a 10-year-old Holsteiner gelding by Quarz x Cash and Berry owned by Two Socks Farm LLC, for second place.
In third place went to Luiz Francisco De Azevedo (BRA) who stopped the clock at 57.90 seconds aboard HFG Quaman owned by Santa Cecelia Stables LLC.
Final Results: $40,000 Speed Challenge CSI 3*
1) Jad Dana (LBN) & Fleur-de-lis’ Cherie : 2012 Holsteiner mare by Clarimo x Lancer II, The Cherie Group – 0 – 56.47
2) Will Simpon (USA) & Quentin VA: 2013 Holsteiner gelding by Quarz x Cash and Berry, Two Socks farm LLC – 0 –57.40
3) Luiz Francisco De Azevedo (BRA) & HFG Quaman: 2013 Brazilian Sport Horse gelding by Diamant De Semilly x Quidam’s Rubin, Santa Cecelia Stables LLC – 0 – 57.90
4) Kelli Cruciotti Vanderveen (USA) & Forever SFN: 2010 KWPN gelding by Azteca VDL x Non Stop, Serenity Farm – 0 – 58.37
5) Aaron Vale (USA) & OBI Wan: 2012 Oldenburg gelding by Centadel x Continue, Thinkslikeahorse – 0 – 59.51
6) Richard Spooner (USA) & Halcon: 2015 Argentinian Sport Horse stallion by Con Air x Cardento, Molly Ohrstrom – 0 – 59.87
7) Richie Moloney (IRL) & Rocksy Music: 2008 Irish Sport Horse gelding by ARS Vivendi x Diamond Serpent, Equinimity LLC– 0 – 60.19
8) Tracy Fenney (USA) & Cool Girl PS: 2015 Oldenburg mare by Casallco x Chacco-blue, MTM Farm: 0/62.27
9) Angela Covert (CAN) & Hollywood De Rase Z: 2012 Zangersheide gelding by Hoegie Van’t Bergske x Triomphe De Muze, Angela Covert – 0 – 63.21
10) Sheer Levitin (USA) & Vitus K: 2010 Hanoverian gelding by Verdi Tn x El Bundy, Sheer Levitin – 0 – 64.16
11) Sean Jobin (CAN) & Coquelicot VH Heuvelland Z: 2012 Zangersheide gelding by Catoki x Cassini II, Foxridge Farms Stables – 0 – 65.28
12) Ansley Wright (USA) & DiamantoI JT Z: Zangersheide gelding by Diamant de Semilly x Quidam De Revel, Ansley Wright – 0 – 67.47
Source: Press Release from World Equestrian Center
Photos: © Andrew Ryback Photography
Categories: CSI 3*, English, Jumper News Ireland
