Ocala, Forida, USA – January 05, 2024 – The first Grand Prix of the 2025 Winter Spectacular Show Series at World Equestrian Center – Ocala electrified the WEC Grand Arena on an unseasonably cool evening, as spectators and exhibitors packed the stands to witness the $75,000 Tequila Scenario Grand Prix. The event culminated in a thrilling 11-horse jump-off, with Luis Sabino Gonçalves (POR) and Sigma Stables Scoop de Septon Z (Hunters Scendro x Kageena Van T Hoogeinde) seizing victory to claim the first grand prix win of the circuit.  

Oscar Soberon (USA) designed challenging tracks for 25 horse-and-rider pairs representing nine nations. The jump-off became a fierce international showdown between riders from New Zealand, the United States, Portugal, Germany, and Argentina, with several competitors qualifying multiple mounts. 

Sharn Wordley (NZL) opened the jump-off aboard Champion League, setting an efficient pace of 39.790 seconds. Aaron Vale (USA) followed with Mescandro PS, shaving the time down to 38.543 seconds.

However, Tracy Fenney (USA) and the 14-year-old Danish Warmblood mare, MTM Apple (Favorit Ask x Kong’s Whopsie), raised the bar with an impressive 37.547 seconds.

While others tried to match Fenney’s speed, none managed to come close until Wordley’s second ride, Brin d’Or de Haute Melen Z (Bamako De Muze x Perle D’or de Saulieu). Their time of 37.887 seconds came tantalizingly close, earning a temporary second place.  

Second-to-last in the order, Luis Sabino Gonçalves (POR) entered the arena with determination after an earlier misstep on his first mount, Vick du Croisy. “I was not happy with how I rode ‘Vick,’ so I told myself, ‘I’m going to try to win with [Scoop De Septon Z],’” Gonçalves shared. 

He described his bold strategy aboard the 11-year-old Zangersheide gelding: “From one to two, I considered doing seven strides but thought, ‘No, I should not be a chicken, I should be a lion,’ so I went for six. I took a risk to the vertical and pushed for the big oxer, then flew as fast as I could to the double and gave it a good shot to the last.”  

Gonçalves and Scoop de Septon Z blazed through the timers in a stunning 36.437 seconds, securing the top spot.   

Reflecting on his plans for the circuit, Gonçalves said, “I’m aiming for the five-star events with him. Next week we’ll do the three-star, then the four-star, and then he’ll have a break. Ultimately, our goal is the World Cup™. He’s been incredible—focused and ready to be a serious grand prix horse.”  

Additional awards included the ‘Fastest Four-Faulter,’ earned by Robert Blanchette (IRL) and Chardonnay for their speedy first-round time of 69.882 seconds with a single rail. Lucy Huber (USA) received the ‘Luck of the Draw’ award. 

Final Results – $75,000 Tequila Scenario Grand Prix 

1) Luis Sabino Gonçalves (POR) & Scoop de Septon Z – 0 / 0 – 36.437

2) Tracy Fenney (USA) & MTM Apple – 0 / 0 – 37.547

3) Sharn Wordley (NZL) & Brin d’Or de Haute Melen Z – 0 / 0 – 37.887

Source: Press Release from World Equestrian Center

Photos: © WEC / Andrew Ryback Photography

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