Ocala, Florida, United States – February 28, 2025 – Friday morning at World Equestrian Center – Ocala kicked off with a stellar performance from 2024 Paris Olympian Richard Vogel (GER), who claimed his second win of the week in the $32,000 AdventHealth Grand Prix Qualifier CSI 2*. Riding his own Viva Las Vegas W (Vagabond De La Pomme x Cancara), Vogel blazed through a 15-horse jump-off with a time so fast, it proved uncatchable.
A field of 33 horse-and-rider combinations representing nine nations took on courses set by Gregory Bodo (FRA) and Pieter Vitse (BEL). With top form on display, 15 pairs navigated their way to clear first rounds, earning a spot in the jump-off.
Gonzalo Busca (ESP) and Diego set the initial pace, posting a clear round in 45.78 seconds. Stefano Baruzzo (ARG) followed, shaving off time with Orchidee vd Bisschop, stopping the clock at 45.35 seconds.
Already victorious earlier in the week, Vogel entered the ring aboard Viva Las Vegas W, confident in the abilities of his talented nine-year-old Holsteiner mare. “The first round she jumped pretty easily. It felt like easy work. She’s very clever, scopey and careful, and her rideability is very good, so she makes it easy on the rider,” Vogel shared about the mare he’s known for years.
“We’ve had quite a long partnership. We’ve had her in our stable since the end of her four-year-old year, so we know her quite well. It wasn’t always me riding her — some of my colleagues and my girlfriend Sophie [Hinners] also rode her and took her to shows to give her experience. She’s always been a great horse and an exciting horse for the future, for sure.”
Heading into the jump-off, Vogel knew he could rely on the young mare’s bravery and talent. “I didn’t have a number in my head from one to two. To be honest, I didn’t walk the turn. The rest I had all the numbers in my head, but the rollback to the green vertical — I didn’t walk that either. But she was right there with me after one, and I just saw that shot. I knew she was going to be with me after that, and I knew I could take risks. She’s not super experienced, but she’s super brave in those situations. Then everywhere else, I got all the numbers done and I think it was hard to catch.”
The pair flew around the jump-off track, executing some of the tightest turns of the day to stop the clock in an untouchable 40.52 seconds — nearly five seconds faster than Baruzzo’s early lead.
World No. 7 McLain Ward (USA) came closest to Vogel’s time, piloting Beechwood Stables and Susan Heller’s nine-year-old Zangersheide gelding Snapchat van de Broekkant Z (Hunter’s Scendix x Concorde) to a quick 42.28 seconds, earning second place.
Mckayla Langmeier (USA) also impressed, guiding Linda Langmeier’s Jiselle NS (Balou Du Rouet x Voltaire Pref), an 11-year-old KWPN mare, to a clear and fast 43.63 seconds to round out the podium in third.
Vogel was happy to return to World Equestrian Center – Ocala, a venue he first experienced last year during the Longines League of Nations™ Ocala. With the prestigious event just around the corner, Vogel hopes to be part of Team Germany once again. “We are always glad to travel here and use this amazing facility. It’s just wonderful for our horses and for us riders to show in that incredible ring. The footing is great, the stabling is awesome, so there’s not much more we could wish for. Every time we come here, I feel honored.”
Final Results – $32,000 AdventHealth Grand Prix Qualifier CSI 2*
1) Richard Vogel (GER) & Viva Las Vegas W – 0 / 0 – 40.52
2) McLain Ward (USA) & Snapchat van de Broekkant Z – 0 / 0 – 42.28
3) Mckayla Langmeier (USA) & Jiselle NS – 0 / 0 – 43.63
Source: Press Release from World Equestrian Center
Photos: © WEC / Andrew Ryback Photography
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Categories: CSI 2*, English, Jumper News Deutschland
