Ocala, United States – June 25, 2026 – The fourth week of the WEC Ocala Summer Series delivered another exciting day of international competition on Thursday as Lebanon’s Jad Dana (LBN) piloted Leonidas to victory in the $32,000 GGT Footing Speed Challenge CSI 2* at the World Equestrian Center – Ocala. Fifteen horse-and-rider combinations entered the Grand Hotel Arena to contest Alan Wade‘s (IRL) flowing 1.45m track, where speed and precision proved decisive in the against-the-clock format.
After winning the $32,000 Florida Coast Equipment Speed Challenge CSI 4* the previous day, Dana rode the 10-year-old bay Dutch Warmblood gelding by Kannan out of a Negro mare, producing the fastest fault-free performance of the afternoon. The pair stopped the clock in 57.32 seconds, combining efficient turns with a bold, forward rhythm to secure the top prize in a highly competitive field.
Chile’s Samuel Parot (CHI) delivered another polished clear round aboard Gradje O to finish second with a time of 59.85 seconds.
Less than two-tenths of a second behind, Canada’s Erynn Ballard (CAN) guided The Duchess to third place after crossing the timers in 59.98 seconds, highlighting just how closely contested the battle for the podium proved to be.
With no jump-off in the speed challenge format, every fraction of a second counted from start to finish. Dana’s winning effort demonstrated the ideal balance of pace and accuracy over Wade’s technical course, while Parot and Ballard also showcased smooth, efficient rounds that kept the pressure on throughout the class.
Final Results – $32,000 GGT Footing Speed Challenge CSI 2* – 1.45m
1) Jad Dana (LBN) & Leonidas – 0 – 57.32
2) Samuel Parot (CHI) & Gradje O – 0 – 59.85s
3) Erynn Ballard (CAN) & The Duchess – 0 – 59.98s
Source: WEC – World Equestrian Center
Text: Jumper News, no reproduction without permission.
Photos: © WEC / Andrew Ryback Photography
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