It was standing room only at World Equestrian Center – Ocala on Saturday night for the highly anticipated event of Week X, the $200,000 Florida Coast Equipment Grand Prix CSI4*. Amid a star-studded lineup of the world’s best horse-and-rider combinations it was Olympian Andre Thieme (GER) and his trusted partner DSP Chakaria (Chap 47 x Askari 173) who rose to the occasion, claiming the winning title and top spot on the podium.
Andre Thieme and DSP Chakaria, winners of the $200,000 Florida Coast Equipment Grand Prix CSI4*. (Andrew Ryback Photography)
Saturday night proved to be a test of skill as renowned course designer Gregory Bodo (FRA), slated as the builder for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, alongside Pieter Viste (BEL), constructed a formidable track. Their design, featuring a tight time allowed proved challenging for even the most elite athletes and only six pairs successfully navigated the track, earning them a spot in the jump-off.
22-year-old Hallie Grimes (USA) was the first to return aboard Karoline of Ballmore, owned by Can We Keep It? LLC, but had an unlucky rail in 44.99 seconds.