Edited press release from World Equestrian Center

Spectators near and far gathered at World Equestrian Center in Ocala (USA) for the grand finale of 2023, the $150,000 Florida Coast Equipment Grand Prix CSI3*. Top-level athletes representing 10 different nations battled it out for the lion’s share of the prize money, but in the end, it was pathfinder Luis Sabino Goncalves (POR) that stood atop the podium claiming his prize. 

FEI level III course designer Catsy Cruz (MEX) set the tracks that proved to be quite the challenge as only five managed to find the way to a clear first round. The returning field of jump-off contenders consisted of Luis Sabino Goncalves (POR) and Scoop de Septon Z (Hunter's Scendro x Echo van 't Spieveld), Daniel Bluman (ISR) and Gemma W (Luidam x AD Unaniem), Chloe Reid (USA) and Crossover 4 (Cascadello I x Chacco-Blue). Maddison Stephen (AUS) and Yalambis Ikon (Yalambi's Carpino Z x Yalambi's Val d'Isere VDL) as well as McKayla Langmeier (USA) aboard Mimosa vd Rollebeek (Castelino van de Helle x Toulon).

Luis Sabino Goncalves (POR) was the first athlete to attempt the short course. He piloted his new partner Scoop De Septon Z owned by Sigma Stables LLC, to an effortless first round and hoped to keep that momentum coming back for the short course. 

“There weren’t too many in the jump-off, but it was a tough group. I needed to add the pressure and take the risk. If I were to do a nice clear round, the next rider would be faster. So, I decided to go for it, take the risks and ‘Scoop’ was game,” shared Goncalves about his jump-off plan. 

Goncalves and the nine-year-old Zangersheide gelding laid it all on the track, taking tidy turns and slicing fences to stop the clock in a blistering 40.71 seconds, a time that no other competitor could catch. 

“My horse doesn’t have all the experience. I started him in the futures prix here at WEC, then did the national grand prix, and then his first ever three-star. This venue has helped develop him and it feels like a championship show. It’s like we are showing at a final in Barcelona. It’s an amazing opportunity to help the horses prepare for big championships in the future,” shared Goncalves. 

Daniel Bluman (ISR) and Gemma W came close to Goncalves’ time, but had a heartbreaking rail at the final fence in a time of 41.11 seconds. 

Last week’s third place podium finishers Chloe Reid and Crossover 4 (Cascadello x Chacco-blue) put forth another superb performance in 45.01 seconds. 

Reid believes her scopey 10-year-old Hanoverian gelding is really coming into his own, “It’s funny, I think he was more relaxed tonight under the lights than he was the first day showing during the daylight this week. I think he’s really finding himself at this height and is very comfortable here. I couldn’t be more proud of him the past two weeks and I am looking forward to an exciting winter circuit!” 

Maddison Stephen (AUS) followed aboard her own Yalambis Ikon. The pair fell victim to two unfortunate rails, but had a quick pace of 44.75 seconds.

McKayla Langmeier (USA) was the last athlete to attempt to snag the lead. She piloted Rafferty Farm LLC’s Mimosa VD Rollebeek (Castelino Van De Helle x Toulon) to a speedy track in 44.28 seconds to take the second place position on the podium. 

Langmeier is glad to be back in the ring with the 11-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare, “I have had my horse for about two years. This is her first show back at the FEI level and I am very pleased with her performance tonight. It was more than I could have hoped for!” 

Nicolas Cubillos, Director of Marketing and Customer Service at Florida Coast Equipment spoke about the evening and being a sponsor at World Equestrian Center – Ocala, “Thank you Luis Sabino Goncalves for closing this year with another win. He won our grand prix back in February during the 2023 Winter Spectacular, and we are thrilled to see him back in the winner’s circle,” shared Cubillos. “It is a privilege to be at World Equestrian Center – Ocala. I believe this partnership revolves around talent, hard work and great ethics. We are proud to support such an incredible venue and we are looking forward to 2024.”