Ocala, Florida, USA – January 05, 2023 – The highly anticipated 2024 Winter Spectacular Show Series is underway at World Equestrian Center – Ocala. The $24,000 C. Jarvis Insurance Welcome Prix kicked off elite competition as a field of 20 horse-and-rider combinations competed over a complex track set by FEI Level IV course designer Steve Stephens (USA) that utilized brand new fences and stunning décor. Luis Sabino Gonçalves (POR) showcased his speed once again with Sigma Stables LLC’s Vick du Croisy (Lord Carthago x Merveille Ducroisy), and made their start to the winter circuit a winning one.
The first-round track asked several questions of the talented field, with the final line capturing the most faults. A group of five negotiated the course and found a faultless effort while, staying within the tight time allowed of 71 seconds.
Aaron Vale (USA) set the pace for the short course, piloting Cristo Beech (Its the Business x Ragua), a 13-year-old Warmblood gelding, owned by Thinkslikeahorse and Alise Carrico, to clear round in 35.820 seconds.
Hot on his heels was top competitor Luis Sabino Gonçalves (POR), who had already secured three grand prix victories during the 2023 November & December Show Series. Two of these victories were with his top-tier mare, Vick du Croisy.
In the jump-off, the 15-year-old Selle Français mare continued her winning ways with Goncalves in the irons, clocking an unbeatable 34.920 seconds.
Reflecting on his performance, Goncalves remarked, “I had a chance to watch Aaron Vale go before me, and I think I followed a similar track. My mare is just so quick across the ground, and I think that made the difference.”
Even with his impressive list of victories, Goncalves remains humble, emphasizing, “You are as good as your last result. If you win a grand prix, you’re the king until the next one. In the next grand prix, you’re back to being a normal rider.”
Tracy Fenney (USA) and MTM Apple (Favorit Ask x Kong’s Whopsie) were the only other pair to find a clear round in the jump-off. With a time of 35.643 seconds, Fenney and the 13-year-old Danish Warmblood mare snagged second place from Vale and Cristo Beech, and followed right behind Goncalves in the victory gallop.
Final Results – $24,000 C. Jarvis Insurance Welcome Prix
1) Luis Sabino Gonçalves (POR) & Vick du Croisy, Sigma Stables LLC: 0 | 0 | 34.920
2) Tracy Fenney (USA) & MTM Apple, MTM Farm: 0 | 0 | 35.643
3) Aaron Vale (USA) & Cristo Beech, Thinkslikeahorse & Alise Carrico: 0 | 0 | 35.820
4) Audrey Muscari (USA) & Cicero HS, Audrey Muscari: 0 | 4 | 38.624
5) Aaron Vale (USA) & Constantin de Hus, , Sigma Stables LLC: 0 | RT
6) Camille Maynard Maddrix (USA) & Jack Straw, M&M Sporthorses: 2 | 72.706
7) Luis Sabino Goncalves (POR) & PST De Muze, , Sigma Stables LLC: 3 | 73.442
8) Fernando Cardenas (COL) & Cool Ray NA, , B&C, LLC: 4 | 67.240
9) Brooke Kemper (USA) & Seaview Demonstration, , CM Sporthorses, LLC: 4 | 67.245
10) Mallory Vale (USA) & Gray’s Inn, Thinkslikeahorse: 4 | 68.627
Source: Press Release from World Equestrian Center
Photos: © WEC / Andrew Ryback Photography
Categories: CSN, English, Jumper News Portugal
