Richard Spooner and Halcon in the $62,500 Coca-Cola Beverages Florida Grand Prix Qualifier CSI3*. Photo © Andrew Ryback Photography.
Press release from World Equestrian Center
The $62,500 Coca-Cola Beverages Florida Grand Prix Qualifier CSI3* was the highlight of Thursday morning’s action in the WEC Grand Arena. Thirty-three international horse-and-rider pairs, representing nine nations, competed for top honors, but it was Richard Spooner (USA) and Molly Ohrstrom’s Halcon (Con Air 7 x Cardento 993) who emerged victorious.
Ben Townley, an FEI Level III course designer from Great Britain, crafted a challenging and intricate track that saw 13 combinations advance to the jump-off. Ultimately, it was a showdown among U.S. riders that decided the top placings.
Aaron Vale (USA) was the first to return for the jump-off aboard Gray’s Inn. The duo laid down a blistering pace of 35.30 seconds, but a heartbreaking rail at the final fence dashed their hopes for a top finish.
Next up was Richard Spooner, who piloted two mounts into the jump-off. He started with Halcon, a 10-year-old Argentinian Sport Horse stallion, who was a bit fresh in the first round. “It was early and cold, so Halcon was a bit up and down,” Spooner admitted. “In the jump-off, I just wanted to keep going forward. He was miraculous. I don’t know how he cleared the second jump—it was despite me!” he joked. “After that, we found our rhythm, and I just let him go.”
Richard Spooner standing for his first place photo. Photo © Andrew Ryback Photography.
The pair attacked the course at an open gallop, crossing the timers in 35.43 seconds, a time no competitor could match.
Spooner expressed excitement about the season ahead with his two horses, saying, “I plan to alternate them week to week. This circuit is incredible with so many FEI opportunities. I’m grateful for it and will do my best to make the most of it.”
Kristen Vanderveen (USA) came closest to catching Spooner’s time, riding Bull Run Jumpers Inc.’s 11-year-old Holsteiner gelding, Bull Run’s Jireh (Uriko x Colman) to a swift and faultless 36.30 seconds to secure second place.
Samantha Schaefer (USA) rounded out the podium with Frasier (Carambole x Padinus), a 15-year-old KWPN gelding owned by Bonne Vie LLC, stopping the clock at 37.80 seconds for third.
FEI competition continues Friday in the WEC Grand Arena with the $32,000 1.45m Winning Round CSI3*. The highlight of the week, the $120,000 Coca-Cola Beverages Florida Grand Prix CSI3*, will take center stage on Saturday, January 11, at 7pm in the WEC Grand Arena.
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