The WEC Grand Arena was electric on Saturday night as a packed crowd gathered under the lights to witness top-tier jumping in the $120,000 Alltech Grand Prix CSI3* at World Equestrian Center – Ocala. With 36 elite competitors from 12 nations vying for the win, the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement. In the end, it was Simon McCarthy (IRL) and Gotcha (Stakkato x Cassini I), owned by Rock Ridge Farms, who stole the spotlight, securing their first international grand prix victory together.
Catsy Cruz (MEX) set a technical track that proved to be a true test, with only nine riders managing to keep all the rails up and advance to the jump-off. The short course was stacked with some of the world’s fastest riders representing the United States, Ireland, Canada, Great Britain, and New Zealand. Only three duos delivered double-clear efforts, making for an intense showdown.
Simon McCarthy and Gotcha. (Andrew Ryback Photography)
Brooke Kemper (USA) and Quartier Van De Begijnakker were the first to return, setting the pace but picking up 12 faults in 45.66 seconds.
McCarthy and Gotcha, a consistent force throughout the circuit, were next to take on the challenge.
“She’s a real fighter,” McCarthy said of the 14-year-old Holsteiner mare. “She gets in the ring and wants to do it the best every time, so you can really put the gas down, and she’ll respond well.”
With a strategic plan in mind, McCarthy stayed on track, saving his biggest move for the final three fences. “I knew all the numbers I wanted to do, and she’s a very, very quick horse. If I do the same numbers as the other horses, most likely she’s going to be faster than them, so I didn’t take an ultra risk—until I did at the last three jumps.”
The pair blazed through the timers in 42.97 seconds, a time that would prove unbeatable.
“This one means a lot,” McCarthy shared. “I’ve been riding her for four years, and she’s something special. She’s won all over the world, but an international grand prix had eluded us. I am delighted that she was the horse to give me my first international grand prix win.”
McCarthy also reflected on the significance of the course designer in his career. “I think Catsy did a great job—she always does an amazing job. I actually won my first national grand prix when she was the course designer, so that’s pretty ironic.”
He also praised World Equestrian Center – Ocala. “The facility here is unbelievably beautiful and amazing for the horses. The crowd is really, really fun—they’re yelling and screaming as you’re going around. In a sport that can be more individualized, that kind of energy makes everything a bit more exciting.”
Chris Pratt (CAN) and Take The High Road, LLC’s 12-year-old KPWN gelding Ideaal Es (Ukato x Conway) were quick to follow, putting in a strong, clear effort and stopping the clock in 43.52 seconds, slotting into second place at the time.
But 2024 Paris Olympian Daniel Coyle (IRL) had other plans. Piloting Farrel (Cardento 933 x Stakkato), owned by Ariel Grange, Coyle shaved fractions off the time, crossing the finish in 43.13 seconds to edge into second place, pushing Pratt to third.
Several riders gave it their best shot, including Jessica Springsteen (USA), who posted the fastest time of the night with Naomi Van Het Keizershof in 42.29 seconds but had a heartbreaking rail at the final fence, landing her in fourth place.
$120,000 Alltech Grand Prix CSI3* Results
1. GOTCHA: 2011 Holsteiner mare by Stakkato x Cassini I
Simon McCarthy (IRL), Rock Ridge Farms: 0/0/42.97
2. FARREL: 2010 KWPN gelding by Cardento 933 x Stakkato
Daniel Coyle (IRL), Ariel Grange: 0/0/43.13
3. IDEAAL ES: 2013 KWPN gelding by Ukato x Conway
Chris Pratt (CAN), Take The High Road, LLC: 0/0/43.52
4. NAOMI VAN HET KEIZERSHOF: 2013 Belgian Warmblood mare by Cardento 933 x For Pleasure
Jessica Springsteen (USA), Stone Hill Farm: 0/4/42.29
5. I-CAP CL Z: 2012 Zangersheide gelding by I M Special De Muze x Air Jordan
Jessica Mendoza (GBR), Jessica Mendoza: 0/4/44.22
6. BRIN D’OR DE HAUTE MELEN Z: 2014 Zangersheide gelding by Bamako de Muze x Baloubet Du Rouet
Sharn Wordley (NZL), Della Wordley: 0/6/50.36
7. HALCON: 2015 Argentinian Sport Horse stallion by Con Air 7 x Cardento 933
Richard Spooner (USA), Molly Ohrstrom: 0/8/43.14
8. QUARTIER VAN DE BEGIJNAKKER: 2016 Belgian Warmblood gelding by For Pleasure x Chin Chin
Brooke Kemper (USA), Sarah Campbell: 0/12/45.66
9. BULL RUN’S JIREH: 2014 Holsteiner gelding by Uriko x Colman
Kristen Vanderveen (USA), Bull Run Jumpers, Inc.: 0/RT
10. JAMES BOND HX: 2014 KWPN gelding by Douglas x Cash
Samantha Schaefer (USA), Bonne Chance LLC: 2/79.09
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