Ocala, Florida, USA – June 16, 2024 – The $62,500 Wheels Up & 5×5 Trading Grand Prix CSI2* was the highlight event of the week, welcoming a competitive field of 32 horse-and-rider combinations from 11 different nations to compete over Andy Christiansen’s (ECU) challenging track. At the end of the night, Maya Denis (MEX) and her own Callypso de La Hamente Z emerged victorious after a thrilling 12-horse jump-off.
The jump-off featured top athletes representing Ireland, Great Britain, the United States, El Salvador, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Portugal, and the Dominican Republic. Each combination was faster than the last, but Maya Denis (MEX) was confident coming back with her speedy eight-year-old Zangersheide gelding (Chellsini Z x Kashmir Van Schuttershof).
“I knew coming back, he’s a really fast horse and I just used that to my advantage,” Denis shared. “I had my plan set for nine strides from the third jump to the double. I almost decided to do eight, but I went with my instincts. Then there were a lot of galloping distances, especially towards the end, so I kept going forward and everything came up perfectly.”
The pair flew through the timers in a blistering 37.58 seconds, ultimately sealing the victory and galloping away with an international win.
“This is a big ask for him. He delivers every time and he’s such a good boy. He did so great tonight. We’ve really only stepped up to the international level last month, so I am thrilled,” she exclaimed. “To kick off his international career, especially as an eight-year-old so strong, I couldn’t be happier. Now, he will get a much-deserved break, do some smaller heights to keep him happy, then move back up. I want to take my time with him and really let him grow with the levels,” she added.
With a time of 38.14 seconds, Juan Bolaños (ESA) secured yet another podium finish this week aboard BZB Barn LLC’s 11-year-old Warmblood mare, Zilouet Mystic Rose (Balou Du Rouet x Chin Chin).
Juan Bancalari (DOM) rounded out the podium aboard his own Ballypatrick Flamenco (Je T’aime Flamenco x Cruising), a 14-year-old Irish Sport Horse stallion, with a time of 39.31 seconds.
Final Results – $62,500 Wheels Up & 5×5 Trading Grand Prix CSI 2*
1) Maya Denis (MEX) & Callypso de La Hamente Z – 0 / 0 – 37.58
2) Juan Bolanos (ESA) & Zilouet Mystic Rose – 0 / 0 – 38.14
3) Juan Bancalari (DOM) & Ballypatrick Flamenco – 0 / 0 – 39.31
4) Captain Brian Cournane (USA) & James Blond – 0 / 0 – 39.73
5) Abby Grabowski (USA) & Quantum Trost – 0 / 0 – 40.06
6) Dani Gascoigne (GBR) & Jasper – 0 / 0 – 45.70
7) Dylan Daly (IRL) & Cinderella Z – 0 / 4 – 36.80
8) Abigail McArdle (USA) & Olympia Van Het Eikenhof – 0 / 4 – 37.80
9) Tanner Korotkin (USA) & Kinmar Quality Hero – 0 / 4 – 38.14
10) Luis Sabino Goncalves (POR) & Vick du Croisy – 0 / 4 – 39.66
Source: Press Release from the World Equestrian Center
Photos: © WEC / Andrew Ryback Photography
Discover more from JUMPER NEWS
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Categories: CSI 2*, English, Jumper News Mexico
