Ocala, Florida, United States – February 15, 2025 – The 2025 Hits Ocala Winter Circuit continued at full speed, drawing top riders to Hits Post Time Farm for another exciting week of show jumping. Week 5, the Ocala Winter Festival, reached its peak with Saturday’s $80,000 GoRentals Grand Prix, where Tracy Fenney (USA) and MTM Apple delivered a stellar performance to claim victory.
A challenging course, designed by Philip Schwender (GER) and Oscar Soberon (USA), saw 21 horse-and-rider combinations take their shot at the top prize. Seven pairs navigated a clear first round to earn a spot in the jump-off, setting the stage for an intense final battle. Fenney, third to return aboard MTM Farm’s 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare (Favorit Ask x Willemoes), wasted no time, laying down a lightning-fast round in 39.857 seconds with all the rails intact — an effort no one could match.
Kirk Webby (NZL) and Cameron 38, Andrea Clark’s 10-year-old Mecklenburg gelding (Cellestial x Lord Kemm), secured second place in 41.838 seconds.
Sharn Wordley (NZL) and Conto Blanco 4, Della Wordley’s 10-year-old Warmblood gelding (Cellestial x Kolibri), rounded out the top three in 42.127 seconds.
“She’s usually really, really fast in the jump-off,” said Fenney. “She can leave out strides like you wouldn’t believe. People always say it’s funny because she doesn’t look like she could ever go that fast.”
Fenney and MTM Apple have built a strong partnership over the years, consistently producing clear rounds.
“I’m just so thrilled to have her,” enthused Fenney. “She is a horse that just simply wants to do it. She’s amazing.”
Training out of MTM Farm in Ocala, Florida, with Mike McCormick, Fenney reflected on the adjustments they’ve made to fine-tune their performances.
“Mike kept saying, ‘You know, you don’t have to go that fast,’” she laughed. “I’d land from the jump, be a few seconds ahead of everyone, but then have the last rail down. It’s hard to gauge when you’re on the run, but we got it this week.”
As a longtime competitor at Hits, Fenney praised the venue’s renovations and horse-friendly atmosphere.
“Apple jumps once a week in this class,” she explained. “She shows up 24 hours before, goes out in the paddock, and just has a great time here at Hits. They’ve made so many wonderful improvements, and it’s so important for the horses.”
Final Results – $80,000 GoRentals Grand Prix
1) Tracy Fenney (USA) & MTM Apple – 0 / 0 – 39.857
2) Kirk Webby (NZL) & Cameron 38 – 0 / 0 – 41.838
3) Sharn Wordley (NZL) & Conto Blanco 4 – 0 / 0 – 42.127
Source: Press Release from Hits Horse Shows
Photos: © Hits Horse Shows / ESI Photography
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Categories: CSN, English, Jumper News USA
