Aaron Vale and Major jumped to victory in the $75,000 Calluna Spa Grand Prix. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography
Aaron Vale Continues Reign in $75,000 Calluna Spa Grand Prix
The WEC Grand Arena hosted another night of thrilling competition on Saturday evening, June 19, for the $75,000 Calluna Spa Grand Prix. Aaron Vale (USA) and Major, owned by Don Stewart and Sleepy P Ranch LLC, led the victory gallop, besting 52 entries and 16 jump-off contenders. A familiar face in the WEC winner's circle, Vale of Williston, Florida, qualified all four of his entries for the jump-off and captured the fastest time riding Major, a 14-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding. Second place went to Rowan Willis (AUS) and Ashton Dakota while Vale also took third aboard Prescott.
Erin McCabe Clayton and Champs Élysées Top the $12,500 WEC – Ocala 3'6"-3'9" Hunter Derby for the Second Consecutive Week
Erin McCabe Clayton and Champs Élysées won their second $12,500 WEC – Ocala 3'6"-3'9" Hunter Derby of the season. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography
Erin McCabe Clayton and Champs Élysées came back strong to the WEC – Ocala Hunter Derby scene, claiming their second consecutive win in the $12,500 WEC – Ocala 3'6"-3'9" Hunter Derby. Clayton and the recently imported nine-year-old Selle Francais gelding owned by Bays and Greys, LLC, brought home a total score of 181 to take the win. “He gets better and better with each class," said Clayton. "I think he is going to be a legitimate Derby Finals horse.” Timothy Maddrix and Cypress, owned by Missy Nolen, topped the $10,000 WEC Ocala 3’ Hunter Derby.
Jordan Petersen and Diamant's Legacy Capture $15,000 WEC – Ocala Welcome Prix
Jordan Petersen and Diamant's Legacy captured the $15,000 WEC – Ocala Welcome Prix win. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography
Jordan Petersen (USA) topped 51 entries in the $15,000 WEC – Ocala Welcome Prix aboard Diamant's Legacy, a 12-year-old Oldenburg stallion owned by Derek Petersen. “He really likes that ring," Petersen said of her mount. "He won two grands prix during the winter circuit then a second place, third and fourth. He loves it, and I am glad that is where he will be spending most of his time."
Sunday Spotlight: Carlee McCutcheon
Carlee McCutcheon and MTM Unexpected competed in the welcome prix and grand prix during Summer II. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography
Carlee McCutcheon of Aubrey, Texas, comes from a family of renowned horsemen. Her parents, Tom and Mandy McCutcheon, are two of the all-time leaders in the reining industry, and her older brother, Cade, competed at the FEI World Equestrian Games at the age of 18 in reining. Fifteen-year-old Carlee is creating a name for herself in the hunters, jumpers and equitation. With the help of her trainer, who is also her grandmother, Colleen McQuay, Carlee is taking the hunter/jumper world by storm. Read more about her riding career, current horses and goals.
Upcoming Events
World Equestrian Center offers hunter/jumper competition at both facilities this summer, so mark your calendars for upcoming events at WEC – Ocala and WEC – Wilmington.
June 23-27 - WEC – Ocala Summer III
June 30-July 4 - WEC – Ocala Summer IV
July 7-11 - WEC – Ocala Summer V
July 14-18 - WEC – Ocala Summer VI
July 14-18 - WEC – Wilmington Summer 1
July 21-25 - WEC – Ocala Summer VII
July 21-25 - WEC – Wilmington Summer 2
July 28-August 1 - WEC – Ocala Summer VIII
August 4-8 - WEC – Ocala Summer IX
August 11-15 - WEC – Ocala Summer X
August 11-15 - WEC – Wilmington Summer 3