Edited Press Release
A picturesque afternoon at World Equestrian Center – Ocala set the stage Thursday for the $24,000 C. Jarvis Insurance Welcome Prix. Twenty-three elite horse-and-rider combinations representing eight different nations competed over an intricate track set by FEI Level III course designer Kenny Krome (USA). Round one of competition posed a challenge as only three athletes managed to find the path to a clear first round to qualify for the returning jump-off. Tracy Fenney (USA) and MTM Farm’s MTM Hachi (Cardento x Quiche Lorraine) were the sole challengers to keep all rails up over both Krome’s elaborate tracks to secure their victory.
“When I walked the course, it didn’t seem too complicated, but there were rails down throughout the entire track. A lot of riders had the final jump down,” Fenney detailed. “It was a big square oxer, and it was going away from the ingate, so I think a lot of horses thought they were done. The time caught quite a few, too, which can be a problem for ‘Hachi,’ because he takes so much time in the air, but I made sure I was efficient in the turns today.”
Young professional Addison Reed (USA) of Richmond, Virginia and Reed Training & Sales LLC’s Goliath (Zirocco Blue VDL x Sirene) were the first combination to return for the jump-off. Reed and the 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding found an efficient track in 43.166 seconds, but fell victim to a single fence down.
“After I watched Addison go and have one down, my plan was to still be efficient to make Dorrie [Dorothy Douglas] have to try and be quick, even though she is my stablemate. I never give a win to anyone, without a fight,” laughed Fenney. “But when I jumped the first jump, and he jumped it so high, I just worked on staying clean, which is fairly easy to do with him.”
Fenney and MTM Hachi flew around the jump-off track, going clear in 45.020 seconds to ultimately clinch their win.
“We just got Hachi in November. Our guy in Germany told us that he had something that he thought was going to be a pretty special horse. He was green, but thought he had a lot of talent,” shared Fenney. “I showed him in a 1.30m and had a blast. He has such a fun jump and is brave. Everyday I feel like I have made progress with him, and I feel like he is starting to get the hang of going fast.”
“His jump makes you feel like you’re flying. I feel the way the crowd sounds whenever I jump around. All I hear is, ‘Oh my God,’ ‘Woah,’ ‘Wow’ and, ‘Holy cow.’ Mike [McCormick] put a picture of him on Facebook the other day, and we had about 50 people call us wanting to know more about him. It’s really neat that so many people appreciate him for his talents.”
Dorothy Douglas was the final athlete to attempt Krome’s challenging jump-off track. Douglas and Davenport Farm’s MTM Pablo (Perigueux x Celina) had the time in 42.527 seconds, but with an unfortunate rail at the third fence.
Douglas was still very proud of the 10-year-old Warmblood gelding. “Pablo is amazing. I should have trusted his step, and done the eight to fence three, but he was incredible,” she said. “I am hoping he will make his Saturday night debut this weekend.”
$24,000 C. Jarvis Insurance Welcome Prix Results:
1 MTM Hachi, Tracy Fenney (USA), MTM Farm: 0 | 0 | 45.020
2 MTM Pablo, Dorothy Douglas (USA), Davenport Farms: 0 | 4 | 42.527
3 Goliath, Addison Reed (USA), Reed Training & Sales LLC: 0 | 4 | 43.166
4 Ziloumet Mystic Rose, Juan Manuel Bolanos (ESA), Mariella Godoy: 1 | 82.504
5 Beijing LS LA Silla, Laura Sloey (AUS), Laura Sloey: 2 | 83.362
6 Vick Du Croisy, Luis Sabino Goncalves (POR), Sigma Stables LLC: 4 | 71.175
7 Bemol Des Champs, Luis Sabino Goncaleves (POR), Sigma Stables LLC: 4 | 73.264
8 Pampero, Santiago Lambre (BRA), Santiago Lambre: 4 | 76.857
9 Clever Van De Helle, Kyle Dewar (CAN), Kyle Dewar: 4 | 77.514
10 Alan 111 Z, David Cameron (AUS), Linda Huddy & Sally Watkins: 4 | 80.482
Photos courtesy of Andrew Ryback Photography.
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