Todd Minikus Shows His “Winning Spirit” in the $80,000 Hits Grand Prix

February 11, 2025
8:04 AM

Ocala, Florida, United States – February 08, 2025 – The 2025 Hits Ocala Winter Circuit kept its momentum rolling as top equestrians returned to Hits Post Time Farm for another week of elite show jumping. With high stakes and top-tier talent, the competition culminated in the highly anticipated $80,000 Hits Grand Prix on Saturday, February 8. The class featured electrifying performances, but it was Todd Minikus (USA) with Kiekeboe Spirit who delivered the winning ride.

It was a truly international field of athletes as eight countries were represented by the 27 horse-and-rider pairs that tackled the challenging track designed by Ivan Tagle (ARG). From those, only three advanced to the high-stakes jump-off. Minikus was the first to take on the shortened course, setting the standard with a blazing time of 35.473 seconds and the rails intact, putting the pressure on those who followed.

“Going first, I really didn’t know what to expect in the jump-off,” admitted Minikus. “I thought I should try to lay down something that could force some mistakes for the ones to follow me by putting the pressure on. ‘Kiekeboe’ was right on the game today, and it worked out well.”

Minikus has been partnered with Kiekeboe Spirit, the Spirit Group’s 10-year-old Warmblood gelding (Darius x Game Boy), for about a year and a half. In that time, they have competed through the four-star level together, but with a big win in the $80,000 Hits Grand Prix, Minikus feels like the duo are hitting their stride.

“You know, I would always like some more success,” he said with a laugh. “We’ve had some success along the way, but we’ve changed some things, and I think we have the recipe for success right now.”

**Jenni McAllister** (USA) & **Escada VS**

Just behind Minikus, Jenni McAllister (USA) and Escada VS, an 18-year-old Swedish Warmblood mare (Escudo 19 x For Feeling) owned by Viksberg Sateri, secured second place with a time of 37.580 seconds.

**Sharn Wordley** (NZL) & **Conto Blanco 4**

Rounding out the podium was Sharn Wordley (NZL) aboard Conto Blanco 4, Della Wordley’s 10-year-old Warmblood gelding (Cellestial x Kolibri).

A longtime supporter of Hits, Minikus praised the event’s evolution.

“This year, with all the prize money Hits is offering and the A-team organizing things, they have done a fantastic job,” he enthused. “It has been a pleasure coming here. I’ve always been a fan of HITS, but this has just been super.”