Carlee McCutcheon Scores First Three-Star Win Aboard Aralyn Blue in $120,000 Florida Coast Equipment Grand Prix CSI3*
Spectators and exhibitors alike gathered at World Equestrian Center – Ocala (WEC) for the first international Grand Prix of the 2026 Winter Spectacular Show Series. The $120,000 Florida Coast Equipment Grand Prix CSI3* welcomed a field of the world’s best, but in the end, it was the youngest athlete in the class who rose to the occasion. Twenty-year-old Carlee McCutcheon (USA) claimed her first three-star grand prix victory, piloting Road To The Top’s Aralyn Blue (Chacco-blue x Ludwigs As) to the top of the podium.
Great Britain’s Ben Townley, an FEI Level III course designer, set the track for Saturday night’s feature class. Eight horse-and-rider combinations produced clear rounds to advance to the jump-off.
Ireland’s Robert Blanchette was first to return aboard Chardonnay, stopping the clock in 37.49 seconds, but an unfortunate rail kept them from the lead.
Sharn Wordley (NZL) followed with Della Wordley’s Brin D’or De Haute Melen Z (Bamako De Muze x Baloubet Du Rouet). Wordley and the 12-year-old Zangersheide gelding delivered a strong effort, racing around the short course to post a clear round in 38.31 seconds.
Carly Campbell Cooper (CAN) and U2 Westleven Z gave it a valiant effort, but four faults would ultimately keep them out of contention.
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