Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) competition culminated on Saturday evening at World Equestrian Center – Ocala with the $150,000 Lugano Diamonds Grand Prix CSI3*. Spectators were on the edge of their seats as 31 equestrian athletes representing ten nations put forth their best efforts over an exacting track designed by Alan Wade (IRL). Last to go, Samantha Schaefer (USA) expertly piloted the talented James Bond HX (Douglas x Cash) to a thrilling clear round and his very first grand prix victory.
Wade’s first round track proved challenging for even the most seasoned riders as just four starters returned for the jump-off including Sean Jobin (CAN), Alexa Pessoa (USA), Nikko Ritter (USA) and Samantha Schaefer (USA).
Welcome Prix top three finisher Sean Jobin and Coquelicot VH Heuvelland Z (Catoki x Cassini II) owned by Foxridge Farms Stables were the first duo to return for the jump-off.