Ocala, Florida – December 04, 2025 – Fifty-five international combinations representing 19 nations took to the WEC Grand Arena for the $63,000 Coca-Cola Beverages Florida Grand Prix Qualifier CSI 3*. After a nail-biting 11-horse jump-off, it was last-to-go Kristen Vanderveen (USA) who clinched the victory aboard Bull Run Jumpers, Inc.’s Bull Run’s Jireh (Uriko x Colman).
FEI Level III course designer Catsy Cruz (MEX) built a winding, technical track for Thursday evening’s class, and it proved to be quite the test. In the first half of the order, only four combinations managed a clear round, but after the midway break, more fault-free efforts came, ultimately producing an 11-horse jump-off.
Argentina’s Luis Pedro Biraben (ARG) returned first to set the standard, stopping the timers in a swift 37.33 seconds aboard Georgina de Carles.
Jonathan Corrigan (IRL), Jessica Mendoza (GBR), Ilan Bluman (COL), and Nicole Walker (CAN) all delivered determined attempts, but none were able to take over the lead.
Next in was Luis Sabino Gonçalves (POR) with Sigma Stables’ famously fast Scoop de Septon Z (Hunters Scendro x Echo Van T Spieveld). The pair blazed through the track, clocking an impressive 35.61 seconds to move into the top spot.
Their lead didn’t last long. Australia’s Rowan Willis (AUS) and Hudson Warren’s Billy MC Dermit (Otangelo x Cruising) tore around the short course without touching the brakes, posting a time of 35.38 seconds—just two-tenths quicker.
Lauren Balcomb (AUS), Grant Seger (USA), and Juan Gallego Martinez (ESP) followed, but the top of the leaderboard remained unchanged.
Last to return, Kristen Vanderveen (USA) wasn’t chasing the win so much as valuable practice: “I just wanted to practice tonight. I just wanted to go in, have fun, and not overthink things. It was nice, because I was able to go into the first round and add, which I normally like to leave out strides, so it was good training for both of us, and I think that set us up well for the jump-off.”
“We were able to turn more easily since we used the first round to school. I didn’t have numbers in my head for the jump-off because then I would get too in my head and overthink. The only number I had in mind was the slow eight and the seven after the combination; I wanted to turn and do that calmly. But he’s so fast and has such a huge stride, he’s already doing the leave-out, and I think that’s why I got it tonight.”
The pair stopped the clock in 35.13 seconds, just fast enough to edge ahead and secure the win.
Bull Run’s Jireh has been a trusted partner for Vanderveen for years. “I got him when he was seven, and he’s turning 12. I know him pretty well, and we surprise each other sometimes, but I know I can always count on him.”
Final Results – $63,000 Coca-Cola Beverages Florida Grand Prix Qualifier CSI 3*
1) Kristen Vanderveen (USA) & Bull Run’s Jireh – 0 / 0 – 35.13
2) Rowan Willis (AUS) & Billy MC Dermit – 0 / 0 – 35.38
3) Luis Sabino Gonçalves (POR) & Scoop de Septon Z – 0 / 0 – 35.610
Source: Press Release from World Equestrian Center
Photo: © WEC / Andrew Ryback Photography
