Aaron Vale and Prescott Earn Sweet Victory in the $100,000 MARS Equestrian Grand Prix CSI3*

It was another night of top-notch sport on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at World Equestrian Center – Ocala (WEC) for the $100,000 MARS Equestrian Grand Prix CSI3*. From the elite field of athletes, it was Aaron Vale (USA) who took the well-deserved place atop the podium after a thrilling jump-off aboard his longtime partner Prescott.

Eleven horse-and-rider combinations jumped fault-free over the track designed by Catsy Cruz (MEX), and advanced to contest the short course. In the jump-off, riders raced across the WEC Grand Arena for a chance at the top prize, but while some had the speed, it came at the expense of a fallen rail. In the end it was Vale’s unbeatable double-clear performance with Prescott in a blazing 37.30 seconds that sealed the deal for the win.

“I bought him as a four-year-old, and he’s 12 years old now,” shared Vale of the Holsteiner gelding (Lordanos x BB Carvallo) owned by Thinkslikeahorse. “He may have never been my best horse, but on a night like this, he can win a really fast class. The jump-off tonight really suited him, and we nailed it.” 

Molly Ashe Cawley (USA) and Loukas de la Noue, a 13-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding (Malito De Reve x Mr Blue) owned by Oakridge Farm, clinched second place with a time of 39.96 seconds. Samantha Schaefer (USA) and James Bond HX, a 10-year-old KWPN gelding  (Douglas x Cash) owned by Bonne Chance LLC, clocked in at 41.33 seconds for a third-place finish.

Click to watch Aaron Vale’s winning jump-off in the $100,000 MARS Equestrian Grand Prix CSI3*

Click to watch an interview with Aaron Vale after his win in the $100,000 MARS Equestrian Grand Prix CSI3*


$100,000 MARS Equestrian Grand Prix CSI3* Results: 
1 PRESCOTT: 2012 Holsteiner gelding by Lordanos x BB Carvallo
Aaron Vale (USA), Thinkslikeahorse: 0/0/37.30

2 LOUKAS DE LA NOUE: 2011 Belgian Warmblood gelding by Malito De Reve x Mr Blue
Molly Ashe Cawley (USA), Oakridge Farm: 0/0/39.96 

3 JAMES BOND HX: 2014 KWPN gelding by Douglas x Cash
Samantha Schaefer (USA), Bonne Chance LLC: 0/0/41.33

4 OLYMPIC VAN DE NOORDHEUVEL: 2014 Belgian Warmblood gelding by Zambesi TN x Darco
Summer Hill (USA), Tal Milstein Stables: 0/0/42.46

5 THE GRAY MAN: 2008 KWPN gelding by Tjungske x Calando I
Caelinn Leahy (USA), Steve Schaefer: 0/0/43.22

6 GIPSY LOVE: 2014 Warmblood mare by Guidam Sohn x L’Esprit
Anna Dryden (USA), Double Meadows Farm, LLC: 0/0/44.93

7 LEGACY: 2010 Zangersheide mare by Chippendale Z x Bon Ami
Daniel Coyle (IRL), Ariel Grange: 0/4/36.70

8 CHILI PEPPER H M Z: 2015 Zangersheide stallion by Cornet Obolensky x Caretano Z
Lillie Keenan (USA), Chansonette Farm LLC: 0/4/40.84

9 NIGHT VAN DE KWAKKELHOEK: 2013 Belgian Warmblood stallion by Jilbert van’t Ruytershof
Anna Dryden (USA), Double Meadows G LLC: 0/4/43.99

10 KICK ON: 2014 Warmblood stallion by Warrior x Caretino Glory
Lillie Keenan (USA), Chansonette Farm LLC:0/4/45.51

11 HELLCAT: 2011 Belgian Warmblood mare by Cassander van het Bremhof x Conan
Paul O’Shea (IRL), Team Eye Candy: 0/8/39.21

12 I.ADERMIE R 4: 2013 KWPN mare by Den Ham Blue R x Namelus R
Aaron Vale (USA), Thinkslikeahorse: 4/69.76


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