Cormac Hanley & Santiago VH Netehof Back on Top in the $32,000 Buckeye Nutrition Speed Challenge CSI 2*

Ocala, United States – July 09, 2026 – Cormac Hanley (IRL) delivered the fastest performance of the day to claim victory in the $32,000 Buckeye Nutrition Speed Challenge CSI 2* during the fifth week of the WEC – Ocala Summer Series at the World Equestrian Center (WEC) – Ocala. Tackling the 1.45m track with precision and efficiency, Hanley guided Santiago van het Netehof to a fault-free round in 59.77 seconds, setting a pace that proved impossible to match.

The Irish rider and the talented 8-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding combined speed with confidence throughout the course, taking calculated risks without sacrificing accuracy. By Untouchable 27 and out of a Diamant de Semilly mare, Santiago van het Netehof showcased both his scope and speed, continuing to establish himself as one of the promising young horses on the international circuit.

New Zealand’s Sharn Wordley (NZL) secured second place aboard Hagelin after also producing a clear round, stopping the clock in 61.77 seconds. The pair maintained a smooth rhythm from start to finish but ultimately finished two seconds adrift of Hanley’s winning time.

Rounding out the podium was American rider Dominique Damico (USA) with Cava, who delivered another fault-free effort in 64.22 seconds.

With all three podium finishers leaving every rail in place, the competition was decided entirely by speed, rewarding riders willing to shave valuable fractions of a second off their time while maintaining control over the demanding 1.45m course. Hanley’s bold yet polished ride stood out as the benchmark performance of the class.

The victory adds another international result to Hanley’s growing résumé and highlights the exciting potential of Santiago van het Netehof. As the fifth week of the WEC – Ocala Summer Series continues, the partnership’s impressive speed and developing consistency suggest they will remain contenders in upcoming CSI 2* competitions.

Final Results – $32,000 Buckeye Nutrition Speed Challenge CSI 2* – 1.45m

1) Cormac Hanley (IRL) & Santiago VH Netehof – 0 – 59.77

2) Sharn Wordley (NZL) & Hagelin – 0 – 61.77

3) Dominique Damico (USA) & Cava – 0 – 64.22

Source: World Equestrian Center

Text: Jumper News, no reproduction without permission.

Photos: © WEC / Andrew Ryback Photography

Related