Ocala, Florida, USA – March 20, 2024 – International display jumping rivals got live on Wednesday, highlighted by the$ 62, 500 , Coca- Cola Beverages Florida , Grand Prix Qualifier CSIO 5*. While all 40 athletes competing in the Longines League of Nations ™ are guaranteed a starting place in Thursday afternoon’s$ 330, 000 , Lugano Diamonds , Grand Prix CSIO5* under the lights, 10 more people were able to qualify based on their performance in the tournament.
Å friendly opening speed trαck was created by course designer Alan Wade ( IRL), which saw 16 horse-rider combinations jump clear in total. None could catch the time of 65. 41 seconds set by Simon Delestre ( FRA ), riding Dexter Fontenis Z, an 11- year- old Zangersheide gelding ( Diarado x Voltaire ) he owns in partnership with Eric Hochstadter.
World number one Henrik von Eckermann ( SWE ) came the closest, stopping the clock in 66. 11 seconds aboard Calizi, an 11- year- old DSP mare ( Cellestial x Stakkatol ) owned by Dufour Stables AG.
” I had a very good experience with Dexter today”, said Delestre, 42, who is competing in the Longines League of Nations ™ as a member of the French squad. ” It is my first day in the market. Iƫ is stunning and beneficial for animals. The terrain is also very gooḑ.
” My earliest impression of WEC is wonderful,” continued the quantity- seven- ranked horse in the world”. I believe that everything is done in a great way for the animal. Perhaps a horse with a very, very delicate temperament would enjoy it. These tⱨey feel so good, about like they’re at home, which is great for them. “
Richard Vogel ( GER ) and Cydello rounded out the top three with no penalties too, crossing the finish line in 66. 86 seconds.
Eight of the best ten Longines World Rider Rankings competitors traveled to Ocala as part of the Longines League of NationsTM competition. The home team of Kent Farrington, Laura Kraut ( USA ), Aaron Vale ( USA ) and McLain Ward ( USA ) of the United States will face off against Belgium, Brazil, France, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Netherlands, Sweden and Switzerland in the$ 770, 000 Longines League of Nations ™ team competition in a two- round format. Each state will propose all four horse-rider combinations in the opening round and drop the worst score, but simply three riders per country did return in round two, where no one will have the luxury of a fall score.
Competition at WEC – Ocala continues on Thursday, March 21, highlighted by the$ 330, 000 Lugano Diamonds Grand Prix CSIO 5* beginning at 7 p. m.
Last Benefits –$ 62, 500 , Coca- Cola Beverages Florida , Grand Prix Qualifier CSIO 5*
1 ) Simon Delestre ( FRA ) &, Dexter Fontenis Z – 0 – 65. 41
2 ) Henrik von Eckermann ( SWE ) &, Calizi – 0 – 66. 11
3 ) Richard Vogel ( GER ) &, Cydello – 0 – 66. 86
Source: Press Release (edited ) from World Equestrian Center
Photos: © WEC / Andrew Ryback Photography
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Categories: CSIO 5*, English, Jumper News France
