Ocala, Florida, United States – March 01, 2025 – The 2025 Hits Ocala Winter Circuit continued its streak of electrifying competition on Saturday, March 1, with the marquee event of the Hits Ocala Tournament, the $80,000 Ocala Marion County Grand Prix. Spectators were treated to a masterclass in speed and precision as Tracy Fenney (USA) and her longtime partner MTM Apple delivered a commanding performance to secure the win.
With top-tier horse-and-rider combinations vying for the top prize, world renowned FEI Level 4 course designer Bernardo Costa Cabral (POR) set a demanding track featuring delicate verticals, wide oxers, and technical rollback turns that tested even the most experienced competitors. Eleven pairs conquered the first round fault-free, setting the stage for a fiercely contested jump-off.
Robert Blanchette (IRL) was the early pace-setter across the short course with Carnlea Premier Balou, posting a swift, clear round in 37.086 seconds — a time that seemed untouchable as other competitors struggled to leave the rails up.
Last to go, Fenney and MTM Apple wasted no time, blazing through the timers in 34.678 seconds to clinch the victory.
“I watched Seth [Vahlonrat] go before me, and he did the leave-out from the first to second jump, so I knew I could do that too,” shared Fenney. “I’m not sure how she got over the big oxer in the middle of the course, but once she did, we were home free.”
Blanchette ultimately finished in second place with Carnlea Premier Balou, Ridersmith’s 11-year-old Irish Sporthorse gelding (Balou Du Rouet x Cavalier Royale).
Jelmer Hoekstra (NED) completed the podium aboard Lizelottie W, the Eyckenhoeve Group Inc.’s nine-year-old KWPN mare (Comme Il Faut 5 x Guidam), stopping the clock at 37.477 seconds.
While MTM Apple may not have the most traditional appearance, Fenney credits the 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare (Favorit Ask x Willemoes) for her heart and determination.
“She’s just a really unique individual,” said Fenney said of her trusted mount, owned by MTM Farm. “You don’t watch her go and think, ‘Wow, that horse can really jump.’ Everyone makes fun of her and says she’s just a big fat girl, but then they watch her go and can’t believe how fast she is and how easily she leaves out strides.”
Fenney and MTM Apple have built a strong partnership, earning victories at top venues across the country. However, Fenney believes “Apple” has truly hit her stride at Hits Ocala.
“All the riders are so fast now, but the arena here is incredible,” she noted “The horses stay on top of the footing and cover the ground so well that you can go even faster. I live five minutes from here, and Apple loves her turnout time before showing once a week. It works out really well for us.”
Final Results – $80,000 Ocala Marion County Grand Prix
1) Tracy Fenney (USA) & MTM Apple – 0 / 0 – 34.678
2) Robert Blanchette (IRL) & Carnlea Premier Balou – 0 / 0 – 37.086
3) Jelmer Hoekstra (NED) & Lizelottie W – 0 / 0 – 37.477
Source: Press Release from Hits Horse Shows
Photos: © Hits Horse Shows / ESI Photography
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Categories: CSN, English, Jumper News USA
