Ocala, Florida, USA – January 19, 2025 – Twenty-nine international competitors braved the rain late Sunday morning to vie for top honors in the final international class of the week, the $65,000 YETI Grand Prix CSI 2*. After an exhilarating eight-horse jump-off, Gonzalo Busca (ESP) claimed both first and third place, winning aboard his own Cristiano Obolensky (Cornet Obolensky x Stakkato) and securing third with Steven Bluman’s Pinot Gris Di Fer (Cardento 933 x Baloubet Du Rouet).  

Anderson Lima’s (MEX) carefully crafted tracks tested the field and eight combinations managed to navigate clear rounds within the time allowed.  

Katie Eppinger (USA) was the first to return in the jump-off, setting the initial pace at 39.54 seconds with her own Chacco’s Cherry PS. Charlie Jones (GBR) followed with Capitale 6, shaving off valuable time to stop the clock at 37.17 seconds.  

Busca, returning aboard Cristiano Obolensky, described his strategy: “I had to be a bit aggressive. From one-to-two there was an option between seven and eight [strides], but I chose to do the seven. I got eight to the double and six after, and seven to the last line. He was fantastic.” With a time of 35.19 seconds, Busca and Cristiano Obolensky took the lead and ultimately galloped home with the lion’s share of the prize money. 

Speaking about the talented 10-year-old Hanoverian gelding, Busca added, “He’s super careful and super brave. He gives you everything and he’s a real competitor. He likes the sport. I’ve been riding him since he was seven when we started in the 1.20m classes, and he’s still getting better and better. He has already done a three-star and was double-clear, so he will do that next week. I think he’s a horse that’s going to jump some nice classes.”  

Busca wasn’t finished, though. Returning as the second-to-last rider, he piloted the 10-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding Pinot Gris Di Fer to a strong round, stopping the clock at 36.49 seconds for third place. 

Marie Hecart (FRA) and Normandie Connection’s 16-year-old Selle Français mare Vahinee (Lauterbach x Darco) came close, delivering a smooth round in 36.22 seconds to secure second place.  

Fina Results – $65,000 YETI Grand Prix CSI 2*

1) Gonzalo Busca Roca (ESP) & Cristiano Obolensky: 2015 Hanoverian gelding by Cornet Obolensky x Stakkato, Gonzalo Busca: 0 / 0 / 35.19 

2) Marie Hecart (FRA) & Vahinee: 2009 Selle Français mare by Lauterbach x Darco, Normandie Connection LTD: 0 / 0 / 36.22 

3) Gonzalo Busca Roca (ESP) & Pinot Gris di Fer: 2015 Belgian Warmblood gelding by Cardento 933 x Baloubet Du Rouet, Steven Bluman: 0 / 0 / 36.49 

Source: Press Release from World Equestrian Center

Photos: © WEC / Andrew Ryback Photography

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