Ocala, Florida – Canadian Olympian Beth Underhill of Schomberg, ON, captured the $50,000 EMO Grand Prix held Sunday, February 18, in Ocala, Florida.
As the first rider to attempt the track set by course designer Ken Krome, Underhill proved a clear round was possible and secured her place in the jump-off. Only three other members of the 36-horse starting field managed to join her, setting the stage for an exciting tie-breaker. Once again, Underhill was in the position of pathfinder and, once again, she and Magdaline laid down a clear round in a time of 42.90 seconds. Fellow Canadian Hugh Graham was the only other rider to post a double-clear performance but his time of 43.55 seconds riding Polyfax was not fast enough to catch Underhill.
“In the jump-off, I just thought I would be smooth and efficient without putting too much at risk,” explained Underhill of the winning strategy that netted her $15,000 in prize money. “Initially, I was concerned because it was her first time competing in the new Grand Prix ring at Ocala and sometimes she can be a little spooky in a new environment, but she just went around like an equitation horse. She was solid and confident, and her jump was crisp and round. I was really thrilled!”