Nicola Philippaerts & Gadget Mouche Score a Sweet Victory in the $200,000 MARS Equestrian Grand Prix CSI4*
International sport took center stage Saturday evening at World Equestrian Center – Ocala as spectators filled the stands for a night of top competition. While hunter riders contested the $75,000 MARS Equestrian USHJA International Hunter Derby in the WEC Stadium, the highlight jumping event of the week unfolded in the WEC Grand Arena: the $200,000 MARS Equestrian Grand Prix CSI4*.
Thirty-four horse-and-rider combinations representing 11 nations stepped forward to contest the 1.55m track designed by 2024 Paris Olympic course designer Gregory Bodo (FRA) with assistance from Pieter Vitse (BEL). Twelve combinations produced clear first rounds to advance to the jump-off, where Belgium’s Nicola Philippaerts ultimately piloted his own Gadget Mouche (Andiamo Semilly x Consul DL Vie Z) to victory in the $200,000 MARS Equestrian Grand Prix CSI4*.
Germany’s André Thieme was first to return, laying down an efficient, clear aboard his own Paule S in 42.27 seconds to set the early standard.
Several strong contenders, including Darragh Kenny (IRL), McKayla Langmeier (USA), Lillie Keenan (USA), Kent Farrington (USA), Natalie Dean (USA), and Jessica Springsteen (USA), gave the shortened track a strong effort, but either rails or time faults kept them from overtaking the lead.
Olympic Gold Medalist Laura Kraut (USA) entered next aboard Cherry Knoll Farm, Inc.’s Bisquetta (Bisquet Balou C x Takashi van Berkenbroek), the 12-year-old Zangersheide mare she has partnered with for nearly six years. According to Kraut, the mare knows her job well. “She’s just an amazing mare. I mean, she really knows the sport, she knows she’s not supposed to touch any poles, and she’s just everything you could ask for in a horse.”
Making her first start back since December 2025, Kraut approached the jump-off with a plan. “My plan was to not go full throttle, because she’s just not fit yet,” she shared. “Once I actually got in there, I got going, probably more than I intended, but not enough to beat them.” The pair crossed the timers in 41.31 seconds to take over the lead.
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