Edited Press Release
Ocala, Fla. (March 4, 2022) –Santiago Lambre from Brazil took home the win abroad Mario Onate’s horse Comtess in the CSI4* $50,000 Longines Grand Prix Qualifier with a fast time of 64.64 in the Table A Speed Class at the 31st Live Oak International in Ocala, FL.
“Today was a nice course for a World Cup Qualifier, my horse was very good. I was taking risks at the beginning of the class, and she was fantastic. I didn’t think I would win, but in the end, it was my day. Many were faster than me today, but they had one down, or were a bit unlucky,” Lambre said. “Comtess is quick, so it was good preparation for the Grand Prix. I look forward to Sunday’s big class, I came with a very good horse to jump the Grand Prix, so I’m excited.”
Chloe Reid finished second on her mount Souper Shuttle owned by Live Oak Plantation LLC with a time of 65.34.
“I walked the course and I set a plan for myself, I know she is a really fast naturally, so I thought if I made some tighter corners, that I would have a quick time without using up too much for Sunday, where the ultimate goal is the Grand Prix,” said Reid. “I was close, but it was Santiago’s day.”
In third place was Will Simpson riding Chacco P with a time of 65.56.
Brooke Kemper and her mount Rocket J Squirrel won the CSI1* Classic Champions Welcome! The CSI1* is a new addition to the schedule at Live Oak, giving more riders and horses the opportunity to compete in the world class arena.
“I thought the course was lovely, it was a nice opening round for the CSI1* division. It flowed nicely, there was a nice inside option, I thought it was a course that was great for all competitors. This was Rocket J Squirrel’s first outing in FEI. He is a nine-year-old that I have had since he was six and I have been developing him. I am very happy the way he jumped,” said Kemper.
Second and third went to Lawson Whitaker piloting Brownie and Cream with a 30.96 and Finch Farm Clifford with 31.56.
The CSI 4* $5,000 Welcome Table A Speed class blue ribbon went to Sean Jobin with Cuba Libre V with a time of 32.07.
“This is a new horse to me; I have only shown her four times,” Jobin said. “She has a huge stride and is super scopey. I was really excited to show her on the grass, the grass footing is so nice here, I wanted to show off a bit of the gallop. I played it nice and smooth the first half of the track and got to know the course and how she felt in all the corners, the second half she really opened and jumped sharp. I was super happy with her.”
Second place was taken home by Rowan Willis aboard Ashton Dakota with 33.01 and in third with a time of 33.05 was Andre Thieme with Crazy Girl V.
