AARON VALE WINS THE CSI4* $55,000 LONGINES GRAND PRIX QUALIFIER AT LIVE OAK INTERNATIONAL
Show jumping begins and driving continues at LOI 2023 in Ocala, Florida
Aaron Vale took home the win in the CSI4*$55,000 Longines Grand Prix Qualifier 1.55m speed class riding 10-year-old mare I.Adermie R on the first day of show jumping competition at Live Oak International.
Over a track designed by German course designer Olaf Petersen Jr. that saw 14 horse and rider combinations complete clear rounds, Aaron Vale and I.Adermie R were not to be beat with an impressive time of 64.20 seconds.
“It was a great win for me here at Live Oak International. I’ve had I.Adermie R for a year and a half and this is her third win in a row. She’s a winning machine. It is just a beautiful place here and the footing was just perfect. It felt great out there,” said Aaron Vale. “I’m really looking forward to competing out there tomorrow and Sunday.”
Americans took the first and second spots in today’s big class with Will Simpson abroad Chacco P finishing second with a time of 65.51 seconds. Ireland’s Gisborne VDL with Daniel Coyle in the stirrups was third finishing with a time of 67.01 seconds.
It was a good day for Will Simpson who took the win in the CSI4* $5,000 Welcome 1.40m Power & Speed abroad 12-year mare Whoop de Doo, with a time of 27.13 seconds adding to his placings on the first day of jumping competition.
“I’ve been looking forward to Live Oak International for quite a while and today Whoop de Doo was in rare form. I enjoyed every stride of it out there today. Whoop de Doo is a fighter, and she wants to go clear. It’s fun to take her up against the clock as she’s going to always give her best effort. She is bred to do this, and I love riding her.” Said Will Simpson. “I feel confident going into the weekend, the footing and the atmosphere are great and there are a lot of top riders here so it’s an exciting event for us riders.”
Finishing in a close second place with a time of 27.46 was show jumping veteran McLain Ward with 10-year-old mare, First Lady owned by Robin Parsky. Third place went to Coco Fath with gelding Harley D with a time of 28.67.
Bonjovi and Tori Corts took home the win the CSI1* $2,500 Waldron Private Wealth Welcome 1.30m Power & Speed class with a time of 30.88 seconds.
“It felt amazing out there today. The grass is a bit of a change to what we are used to as we have been jumping on sand footing for the last six months so the grass here is just great. The audience is incredible, and it was fun course. Bonjovi is 17 years old now, so I save him for the more important classes and the ones I think he’d find exciting. It is my first time at Live Oak International and I’m so happy. I love it here,” said Tori Corts.
Sophia Ayers and Chassana finished second with a time of 31.06 seconds and For Gold with Jordan Coyle aboard were third with a time of 31.20 seconds.
In addition to show jumping, today was the start of the Friends of the Tournament Youth Driving Division with Ashton Maye and his pony Zoey taking the top spot in the 12 and under Dressage phase with a score of 54.04. First in the 13–16 year old group was Alexia Guillemette and Tilt Gill PG with a score of 49.84.
Peterson & Smith Equine Hospital Intermediate Driving Dressage Pony Single was won by Denise Loewe and Steppy IK scoring 48.72. Second spot went to Sarah Reitz and Fferm Gwenffrwd Onyx Star scoring 54.84.
Competition continues tomorrow with the exciting, combined driving marathon phase and more world class show jumping. Also tomorrow, Saturday March 18 attendees will get to take in a special presentation by the Budweiser Clydesdales. The tournament will continue rain or shine.
This distinctive event is a must see for all. Back this are the year are the Budweiser Clydesdales with special presentations. In addition to some of the world’s best riders and drivers, the event is bigger and better than ever before and with something for everyone. Spectators can enjoy the AdventHealth Ocala KidsZone, BierGarten, and the incredible vendor village. Come out and join in under the beautiful Live Oaks.
About Live Oak International
What began 32 years ago as a driving event in Ocala, Live Oak International has grown into a world-class equestrian event. Now run by co-Presidents Chester Weber and his niece, Chloe D. Reid, the tournament is the only in the United States to offer both international combined driving and show jumping at the same competition. As one of Marion County’s largest spectator event, more than 15,000 spectators attend the four-day tournament to watch the competition by athletes from around the globe. In addition to the combined driving and show jumping competition, Live Oak International hosts many hospitality opportunities, and a flourishing vendor area available to the public. For more information, please visit www.liveoakinternational.com
