A Night of Firsts – Richard Spooner and Halcon Fly to Victory in $100,000 Lifeforce Grand Prix

During a chilly Florida evening on January 20, 2024, the competition at World Equestrian Center – Ocala for the $100,000 Lifeforce Grand Prix was hot. In a thrilling jump-off, Richard Spooner (USA) saved the best for last, guiding Halcon, owned by Molly Ohrstrom, to the top prize.

Anderson Lima (MEX) designed the challenging track for the star-studded field of athletes representing nine countries. Four horse-and-rider combinations jumped clear to advance to the jump-off. As the final duo to contest the short course, Spooner, known as the ‘Master of Faster,’ lived up to his reputation, shaving almost two seconds off the leading time to claim victory in 39.733 seconds.

“It was his first jump-off under the lights, but he’s fast, almost cat-like, scopey, careful, and every once in a while, you’ll get a horse that understands the game, and he’s one of those horses,” shared Spooner of the nine-year-old Argentinian Sport Horse stallion (Con Air 7 x Cardento 933). “He’s just been a dream come true. We got him as a four-year-old, and he was six when I moved to Florida. We started out competing at WEC in the 1.10m classes in Jumper 1. This facility is so exceptional that it’s really fulfilled all the things you need as a horseman, and Halcon’s progression is a testament to the job this facility has done. You have the opportunity to bring a horse from down there all the way to up here.”

Thursday’s $24,000 C. Jarvis Insurance Welcome Prix winner, Luis Sabino Gonçalves (POR), had to settle for the runner-up spot this time, stopping the clock in 41.576 seconds with Scoop De Septon Z, his own 10-year-old Zangersheide gelding (Hunters Scendro x Echo Van T Spieveld). U.S. Olympic team gold medalist Will Simpson completed the top three just behind Gonçalves in 41.942 seconds riding ES Keminko N, a nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding by Grand Slam VDL owned by Will Simpson Stables Inc.

Click to watch the winning jump-off.

Click to watch an interview with Richard Spooner after his win in the $100,000 Lifeforce Grand Prix.
 

$100,000 Lifeforce Grand Prix Results:

1 Halcon, Richard Spooner (USA), Molly Ohrstrom: 0 | 0 | 39.733
2 Scoop De Septon Z, Luis Sabino Goncalves (POR), Sigma Stables LLC: 0 | 0 | 41.576
3 Es Keminko N, Will Simpson (USA), Will Simpson Stables Inc.: 0 | 0 | 41.942
4 Gangster CHS, Kris Killam (USA), Tophorses LLC: 0 | 4 | 40.817
5 Vick Du Croisy, Luis Sabino Goncalves (POR), Sigma Stables LLC: 4 | 80.446
6 Mick Jagger, Sharn Wordley (NZL), Della Wordley: 4 | 80.675
7 Wellington Grey Goose, Rowan Willis (AUS), Rowan Willis: 4 | 82.853
8 Jack Straw, Camille Maynard Maddrix (USA), M&M Sporthorses: 4 | 83.915
9 Finch Farm Clifford, Lawson Whitaker (USA), Lawson Whitaker: 5 | 85.517
10 FSS Outlaw, Kady Abrahamson (USA), Abrahamson Equestrian LLC: 6 | 86.032


About World Equestrian Center

World Equestrian Center features two premier equestrian and multidisciplinary venues in Ocala, Florida, and Wilmington, Ohio.

These exclusive facilities comprise state-of-the-art arenas, expansive stadiums, versatile outdoor space, sporting fields and well-appointed exposition centers. An abundance of lodging options and luxury accommodations are conveniently located on-site, along with shopping and dining throughout each property.

Dedicated to offering great sport and good fun in a family-friendly environment, World Equestrian Center promises an unparalleled experience for exhibitors, spectators, vendors, sponsors and retailers built on three core values: Quality. Class. Distinction.

Learn more at wec.net.

Media Contact:
Justin Garner
justin.garner@wec.net