Ocala, FL – The stands have been full of keen exhibitors and spectators for the primary worldwide grand prix of the 2025 Summer time Sequence: the $75,000 Coca-Cola Drinks Florida Grand Prix CSI2* at World Equestrian Heart – Ocala (WEC). Thirty-eight top-level athletes representing 16 international locations gave it their all in hopes of taking dwelling the lion’s share of the prize cash. Ultimately, it was Aaron Vale (USA) who piloted his rising star, Helios Du Moulin (Untouchable x Quidam De Revel), to the eight-year-old Selle Français gelding’s first worldwide grand prix victory.
FEI Degree III course designer Andy Christiansen of Ecuador set a difficult observe for Saturday evening’s competitors, that includes intricate strains and a good time allowed. Simply seven pairs managed to ship clear rounds, setting the stage for a high-stakes jump-off that includes riders from america, Australia, Eire, Venezuela, and the Dominican Republic.
“Andy is a good course designer, and I really like leaping his tracks,” shared Vale, the pathfinder within the first spherical. “The time allowed was simply tight sufficient to maintain you trustworthy. This observe was about studying the wonderful print—the jumps have been only a bit extra delicate.”
Returning first for the jump-off, Vale laid down a aggressive spherical together with his gifted younger accomplice, owned by The Helios Du Moulin Group. “I assumed I might do seven strides from one to 2, however I ended up taking eight, which barely left the door open for somebody. I possibly might have pushed and tried for it, however I knew I used to be going to make it if I did eight. After that, I received all the pieces just about like I wished it and received a very nice flip from the liver pool again to the second-to-last vertical. He’s solely eight, so for him to get so near what I assumed was doable tonight—he was actually spectacular.”
The pair blazed by the quick course in 36.87 seconds—a time nobody else might catch.
Talking about Helios Du Moulin, Vale mentioned, “I purchased him as a seven-year-old in France final summer season once I was stationed there attempting to make the Olympic staff. He’s only a great little horse and has come alongside so rapidly. The whole lot got here up nice for him, and he actually gave the impression to be in his aspect.”
Saturday evening additionally marked Helios Du Moulin’s first expertise competing below the lights—a milestone Vale was grateful to offer the younger horse. “It’s an actual bonus to get to leap a two-star below the lights with a younger horse earlier than he strikes as much as 1.50m/1.55m. It’s an actual check, so to have the ability to get on this environment at a top the place he’s extra comfy is a good expertise for him, and we’re simply thrilled.”
The win provides to Vale’s present scorching streak, which incorporates worldwide Grand Prix victories on the Devon Horse Present and Upperville. He now heads to Rotterdam for the third leg of the Longines League of Nations™, adopted by Aachen, Germany. “I’ve had couple of weeks, together with this one, so I’m getting in with a little bit of confidence, and hopefully we will stick with it.”
He’s additionally wanting ahead to spending Father’s Day together with his 11-year-old daughter, Kinser, who’s already exhibiting a aggressive spirit like her dad and mom. “It’s a number of enjoyable as a result of she loves using and loves profitable. It’s a lot enjoyable to observe her,” Vale shared. “She has a number of good horses, together with my outdated Grand Prix horse, Elusive. She has fairly the power, and I do know she goes to be a celebrity when she begins her profession.”
Eire’s Robert Blanchette earned second place aboard Ridersmith LLC’s 11-year-old gelding, Carnlea Premier Balou (Balou Du Rouet x Cavalier Royale), ending simply behind Vale in 37.13 seconds.
Australia’s Maleah Lang McMahon was the one different rider to supply a double-clear effort. She piloted her personal 14-year-old New Zealand Sport Horse gelding, Central Park, to a clean and tidy end in 41.43 seconds to spherical out the rostrum.
Nationwide competitors resumes Sunday, highlighted by the $50,000 YETI Nationwide Grand Prix at 11am within the WEC Grand Enviornment. Spectators are welcome—admission and parking are free.
$75,000 Coca-Cola Drinks Florida Grand Prix CSI2* Outcomes
1 HELIOS DU MOULIN: 2017 Selle Français gelding by Untouchable x Quidam De Revel Aaron Vale (USA), The Helios Du Moulin Group: 0/0/36.87
2 CARNLEA PREMIER BALOU: 2014 gelding by Balou Du Rouet x Cavalier RoyaleRobert Blanchette (IRL), Ridersmith LLC: 0/0/37.13
3 CENTRAL PARK: 2011 New Zealand Sport Horse gelding by Euro Sport CentavosMaleah Lang McMahon (AUS), Maleah Lang McMahon: 0/0/41.43
4 DORCHESTER: 2014 Oldenburg mare by London x ToulonAndrew Welles (USA), Andrew Welles LLC: 0/4/36.73
5 VALDES: 2013 Zangersheide gelding by Vigo D Arsouilles Stx x IrcolandoAntonio Martinez (VEN), Antonio Martinez: 0/4/39.16
6 CASCAIS HC: 2015 mare by Diktator Van De Boslandhoeve x For PleasureJuan Bancalari (DOM), Juan Bancalari: 0/8/39.00
7 FLOWER Z: 2013 Zangersheide mare by Farfelu De Muze x BengaleOlivia Venezio (USA), Vento Farm LLC: 0/8/43.05
8 CONSTANTIN DE HUS: 2012 Selle Français gelding by Ugobak Des Baleines x Creve CoeurKyle Dewar (CAN), Kyle Dewar: 1/79.59
9 CORINTHIAN: 2014 KWPN gelding by Verdi TnMegan Wexler (USA), Amen Nook Farm, LLC: 2/80.11
10 KINGSTON: 2015 KWPN stallion by Extase x Unaniem Blythe Karolyi (USA). BK Equestrian LLC: 2/80.21
Discover the every day class schedule, orders of go, class counts, and remaining outcomes on HorseShowing.com. For real-time scoring, take a look at Ryegate.Dwell.
Images courtesy of Andrew Ryback Images.Movies obtainable at ClipMyHorse.TV
