Press release from the FEI written by Catie Staszak

Brian Moggre (USA) made his World Cup debut a winning one, racing to victory with MTM Vivre le Reve (Ustinov x Chello II) in the $100,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Live Oak, the final leg of the 2018-2019 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ North American League at the Live Oak International in Ocala, Florida (USA).

Moggre and his 10-year-old Westphalian gelding topped a six-horse jump-off, crossing the timers of the Olaf Petersen, Jr. (GER)-designed shortened course in an unbeatable 41.29 seconds. Andre Thieme (GER) and Aretino (Artani 2 x Caretino) finished second by a narrow margin with their 41.56-second time, while Sharn Wordley (NZL) and Casper were third (Contender x Baloubet du Rouet) with a time of 43.96 seconds.

Moggre, who turns 18 this year, is in his first year of eligibility to jump in World Cup competition. He also won Friday’s ranking class, which qualified him for Sunday’s World Cup event.

"I had a little bit of low expectations for myself—never for my horse, because he's amazing. I wanted to go and jump a clear round; that was my main goal. Once that happened, it was pedal to the medal in the jump-off," Brian Moggre said. 

Moggre attributed stride and efficiency to his jump-off win, along with a superior effort from his horse over the course’s penultimate fence. 

“There was one small place where my horse had to save me, and he did,” Moggre explained. “I’m so appreciative of him. That’s what makes him so special.”

The points have been finalized, and the stage is set for North American League riders headed for the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final in Gothenburg, Sweden, in April.

Beezie Madden (USA) finishes the season at the top of the east coast sub league standings with 58 points, but as the reigning World Cup Final Champion, she automatically qualifies. Molly Ashe Cawley (USA), with 55 points, finishes the season in second place, with Wilhelm Genn (GER) finishing third. With 47 points, Genn qualifies as an Extra Athlete. 

Richard Spooner (USA) is the leading rider on the west coast with 49 points. Eve Jobs (USA) finishes second on 48 points to qualify for her first World Cup Final, while Nayel Nassar (EGY) finishes third in the standings with 46 points. 

The top seven U.S. riders from the east coast sub league qualify for Gothenburg, along with the top three U.S. riders from the west coast, and the top two riders from Canada and Mexico. The Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final takes place 3-7 April 2019.