Press release from World Equestrian Center - Ocala, edited by World of Showjumping

Athletes representing 12 nations took to the WEC Grand Arena on Thursday morning to contest the CSI4* $117,000 MARS Equestrian Grand Prix Qualifier. After an exceptionally quick 14-horse jump-off, it was Portugal’s Luis Sabino Goncalves who raced to victory aboard Sigma Stables LLC’s Scoop de Septon Z (Hunters Scendro x Echo van ‘t Spieveld).

FEI Level IV course designer, Marina Azevedo (BRA), crafted the technical 1.50m track, which saw 15 of the 30 starters produce fault-free first rounds. One qualified combination elected not to return for the jump-off, leaving 14 riders to battle against the clock.

The pace was relentless from the start. Goncalves was the first to produce a clear jump-off aboard his first mount, Gallaxia de Ferval Z, stopping the clock in 42.57 seconds to establish the early benchmark.

That lead was short-lived as Australia’s David Cameron took over the top spot aboard Molly Adams’ 12-year-old Oldenburg gelding Chriszi (Christian 25 x Bockmann’s Lord Pezi), delivering a blistering round in 41.13 seconds.

Tracy Fenney (USA) came within fractions of a second aboard MTM Farm’s nine-year-old KWPN mare MTM Myrbalia O (Davenport VDL x Cardento 933), crossing the timers in 41.28 seconds to slot into second behind Cameron.

On his final ride, Goncalves returned aboard Scoop de Septon Z determined to reclaim the lead. “I thought I could be fast with Gallaxia, but I had to be a little careful,” Goncalves explained. “With ‘Scoop’, I don’t have to be so conservative; I just go. I don’t think too much. I didn’t do different numbers. I moved up more from the Liverpool to the oxer because I really went for it. After the white vertical, I just tried to move as fast as I could.” 

The strategy paid off. Goncalves and Scoop de Septon Z blazed through the timers in a fault-free 39.73 seconds, a time that proved unbeatable. Cameron ultimately finished second, while Fenney rounded out the top three.

“[Richard Spooner and Tracy Fenney on MTM Pablo] were a little faster, but that’s the game,” Goncalves said. “They tried to catch me and took a little more of a risk and had a rail. I think it was a fantastic class.”

Having partnered with the 12-year-old Zangersheide gelding for the past three years, Goncalves credits their long-standing partnership for their continued success. “He knows me very well, and I know him very well,” he said. “If I don’t disturb him, he can do his job. He’s very smart. He’s careful and always wants to do his job.”