Tracy Fenney & MTM Apple Earn Another Sweet Win in the $60,000 Maria Mendelsohn & Douglas Elliman Grand Prix
More than halfway through the 2026 HITS Ocala Winter Circuit, the Ocala Masters welcomed elite horse-and-rider combinations to the Grand Prix Ring at HITS Post Time Farm on Saturday, February 21, for the marquee event, the $60,000 Maria Mendelsohn & Douglas Elliman Grand Prix. With top-level jumper sport on display throughout the week, anticipation built steadily for one of the circuit’s premier classes. Ultimately, it was Tracy Fenney (USA) and her longtime partner MTM Apple that once again rose to the occasion, delivering a winning performance against a competitive field.
A seasoned group of 24 entries took on a demanding track designed by Oscar Soberon (USA), which rewarded forward riding while testing accuracy and decision-making. Nine combinations advanced to the jump-off, including two rides for Fenney, but it was MTM Apple that secured their second victory of the 2026 Winter Circuit, stopping the clock in an impressive 35.056 seconds.
“She’s super smart and very aggressive when she enters the ring,” said Fenney of MTM Farm’s 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare (Favorit Ask x Willemoes). “It’s funny because she’s the complete opposite in the barn. She’s very docile.”
Fenney’s successful partnership with “Apple” began with a memorable buying trip to Denmark alongside Mike McCormick of MTM Farm.
“We tried horse after horse, but she immediately stood out — partly because she took off bucking after the last little jump,” recalled Fenney of a young Apple with a laugh. “We knew she was feisty and had an attitude, but she was also incredibly quick-footed and smart at the jumps.”
Though it was ultimately Apple that ruled the day, Fenney set the early pace in the jump-off as the second to contest the short course with MTM Myrbalia O. With her up-and-coming mount, the pair stopped the clock clear in a quick 36.372 seconds. It was an effort that only Fenney herself could beat, so it was a second-place finish for the rising star MTM Myrbalia O, MTM Farm’s nine-year-old KWPN mare (Davenport VDL x Cardento 933), highlighting the depth of talent in Fenney’s current string.
“It’s awesome,” shared Fenney. “To be able to go in the ring with these horses, and they’re all so talented but different. I think Myrbalia has that same stride as Apple; she just needs to learn to finish her jump. Once she learns that, she’ll be equally as fast.”
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