Robert Blanchette and Carnlea Premier Balou won the $32,000 CSI3* Dover Saddlery Grand Prix qualifier at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala. Photo © Andrew Ryback Photography.
Press release from World Equestrian Center Ocala, edited by World of Showjumping
Thirty-one elite international combinations representing 10 countries took to the WEC Grand Arena early Thursday morning to contest the $32,000 CSI3* 1.50m Dover Saddlery Grand Prix qualifier. Ireland’s Robert Blanchette continued his impressive form, securing the win aboard Ridersmith LLC’s Carnlea Premier Balou (Balou du Rouet x Cavalier Royale).
FEI Level IV course designer Guilherme Jorge of Brazil set the challenging track for Thursday’s competition. Seven horse-and-rider pairs from Canada, the United States, Australia, Ireland, and Venezuela delivered fault-free first rounds to earn a spot in the jump-off.
Erynn Ballard (CAN) was the first to return, piloting Ilan Ferder’s Fave d’Authuit (Windows vh Costersveld x Kannan). She and the 10-year-old Selle Français gelding posted a swift time of 38.61 seconds to set an early pace.
Jake Edicott (USA) followed aboard Okinawa van de Meerhoeve (Dieu Merci Van T&L x Athlet Z) and delivered another clear round, though his time of 42.58 seconds fell short of the lead. Lauren Balcomb (AUS) came next with Verdini d’Houtveld Z (Verdi TN x Caretino) and was quicker, but still not quite fast enough to take over the top spot.
Robert Blanchette and Carnlea Premier Balou. Photo © Andrew Ryback Photography.
Then came Blanchette, determined to give it his best shot with Carnlea Premier Balou. “My plan was just to go as fast as I thought my horse could handle,” he shared. “I saw a few more forward strides, but I didn’t trust it, so I sat up and added.”
His calculated ride paid off—stopping the clock at 38.57 seconds, just four-hundredths of a second faster than Ballard to take the lead.
“Honestly, I didn’t think I was going to win, but he’s just such a naturally quick horse and he helped me out, like he always does,” Blanchette said. He’s been partnered with the 11-year-old gelding for about three years. “He’s very, very competitive and always game. He also has great owners, which is always a bonus.”
Venezuela’s Luis Larrazabal came close to challenging Blanchette’s time. Aboard Victoria Heurtematte’s nine-year-old Mecklenburg gelding Check Me Out (Chaccon Blue x Conthargos), he posted a fast 38.64 seconds, just shy of Ballard’s time, to round out the podium in third.
Then