Ocala, Florida, USA – March 02, 2024 – The WEC Grand Arena once again became the epicenter of thrilling international competition as spectators from near and far gathered at World Equestrian Center – Ocala to witness the highly anticipated $100,000 MARS Equestrian Grand Prix CSI 3*. An elite lineup of the world’s best Jumping athletes competed for the top prize, but it was Aaron Vale (USA) who clinched the well-deserved victory aboard Prescott (Lordanos x Bb Carvallo), owned by Thinkslikeahorse.

Catsy Cruz (MEX), an FEI Level III course designer, crafted the challenging tracks that allowed 11 duos to qualify for the jump-off. 

Anna Dryden (USA) and Gipsy Love set the initial pace in the jump-off, but Samantha Schaefer (USA) and Bonne Chane LLC’s James Bond HX (Douglas x Cash) blazed through, clocking in at 41.33 seconds to take the lead.

Daniel Coyle (IRL) came close to taking the win with a speedy performance aboard Ariel Grange’s Legacy, but had a heartbreaking rail, leaving the door open for Aaron Vale, determined to seize the win.

At the sound of the tone, Vale and Prescott were off, “I really shaped out to fence one, and got the six done easily in the turn. We caught that nice enough I was able to get eight down to the next oxer, and I think everybody else did nine. Then he actually grabbed a shoe landing, and I wasn’t sure what was happening, but for three or four strides he was scrambling. By the time everything cleared, the next oxer was going to be really long, but I had to win the class, so I took it. Then I was able to be patient to the combination, and after we landed that, I could just let his speed do the rest.” 

Molly Ashe Cawley (USA) and Oakridge Farm’s 13-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding Loukas de La Noue (Malito de Reve x Mr Blue) clinched second place with a time of 39.96 seconds. Ashe Cawley praised the crowd at World Equestrian Center – Ocala, “Whenever I come here, I am always blown away by the crowd. They are always into it, and they really have become educated about the sport,” she shared. “I can’t thank MARS Equestrian and the Roberts family enough for what they’ve done for our sport. They’ve really made an impact with this incredible facility, and I think there is nothing but amazing things to come from it.” 

Bridgett McIntosh, Director of MARS Equestrian spoke about the thrilling night, “Congratulations and thank you to the athletes and four-legged friends for joining us on this spectacular evening of equestrian sport. We are so proud to be a Founding Partner of World Equestrian Center and this venue truly embodies our vision: to create a better world for horses, pets and people. Our love for animals and the sport is evident, and we sincerely appreciate the entire equestrian community’s essential role in making it all possible.”

Final Results – $100,000 MARS Equestrian Grand Prix CSI 3*

1) Aaron Vale (USA) & Prescott: 2012 Holsteiner gelding by Lordanos x Bb Carvallo, Thinkslikeahorse: 0 / 0 / 37.30

2) Molly Ashe Cawley (USA) & Loukas de La Noue: 2011 Belgian Warmblood gelding by Malito De Reve x Mr Blue, Oakridge Farm: 0 / 0 / 39.96 

3) Samantha Schaefer (USA) & James Bond HX: 2014 KWPN gelding by Douglas x Cash, Bonne Chance LLC: 0 / 0 / 41.33

4) Summer Hill (USA) & Olympic van de Noordheuvel: 2014 Belgian Warmblood gelding by Zambesi Tn x Darco, Tal Milstein: 0/0/42.46

5) Caelinn Leahy (USA) & The Gray Man: 2008 KWPN gelding by Tjungske x Calando I, Steve Schaefer: 0 / 0 / 43.22

6) Anna Dryden (USA) & Gipsy Love: 2014 Warmblood mare by Guidam Sohn x L’esprit, Double Meadows Farm, LLC: 0/0/44.93

7) Daniel Coyle (IRL) & Legacy: 2010 Zangersheide mare by Chippendale Z x Bon Ami, Ariel Grange: 0 / 4 / 36.70

8) Lillie Keenan (USA) & Chili Pepper H M Z: 2015 Zangersheide stallion by Cornet Obolensky x Caretano Z, Chansonette Farm LLC: 0 / 4 / 40.84

9) Anna Dryden (USA) & Night van de KwakkelhoekNIGHT: 2013 Belgian Warmblood stallion by Jilbert Van’t Ruytershof, Double Meadows G LLC: 0 / 4 / 43.99

10) Lillie Keenan (USA) & Kick ON: 2014 Warmblood stallion by Warrior x Caretino Glory, Chansonette Farm LLC:0 / 4 / 45.51

11) Paul O’Shea (IRL) & Hellcat: 2011 Belgian Warmblood mare by Cassander Van Het Bremhof x Conan
Team Eye Candy: 0/8/39.21

12) Aaron Vale (USA) & I. Adermie R 4: 2013 KWPN mare by Den Ham Blue R x Namelus R, Thinkslikeahorse: 4/69.76

Source: Press Release from the World Equestrian Center

Photos: © WEC / Andrew Ryback Photography

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• YouTube
• Tumblr