Kate Egan Cruises to Victory in 2023 WEC Premier Equitation Cup Championship Powered by Gary Yeomans Ford
February 12, 2023 - Ocala, FL
Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography
Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography
Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography
Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography
Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography
Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography
Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography
Kate Egan and Ypaja Kashmir, owned by Redfield Farm, dominated the 2023 WEC Premier Equitation Cup Championship powered by Gary Yeomans Ford on Saturday, February 11, 2023, during the sixth week of the Winter Spectacular Show Series at World Equestrian Center – Ocala in Ocala, FL. Nine-time ASPCA Maclay National Championship course designer Bobby Murphy of Lexington, KY, created an intricate course for more than 100 of the nation’s top junior athletes. Egan impressed the judges during all three phases of competition to take home the brand-new Ford Explorer XLT SUV. Egan’s trainer Emil Spadone claimed $40,000 of the $100,000 trainer bonus.
The first phase of the WEC Premier Equitation Cup Championship powered by Gary Yeomans Ford tested the riders with a technical over-fences track. The top 20 competitors were then brought back for the flat phase where they were asked to drop their stirrups. The final phase consisted of the top 20 riders returning for a second jumping round over a complex course. Egan, of Glen Gardner, NJ, and the 10-year-old Warmblood gelding navigated a picture-perfect round to catch the judge’s eye.
After the third phase, Ellie Aronson, Carlee McCutcheon, Jordan Gibbs, and Egan were asked to return for a final test. Egan and her mount rose to the occasion and put in a brilliant round to secure their spot at the top of the podium.
“When I walked the second round, the technicality increased a good bit from the first, but I didn’t let it get to my head,” commented Egan. “I knew I was able to do it. I made a set plan and came up with alternatives in case something happened. I don’t remember much of the round now, but I do remember feeling incredible. I think that was the best I’ve ever competed.
“The work-off was very hard, and I was with three other amazing riders,” continued Egan. “I wanted to take everything into consideration before I made my plan. I watched the other girls go, and knew I had to produce a good round to stay on top.”
After taking her new car for a ride, Egan said, “I couldn’t stop talking about that new car smell. It drove around so smoothly. I didn’t go too fast because I didn’t want to get in trouble, but I did have a little fun with the horn around the ring!”
Spadone added, “I think all of the riders did an incredible job. I really feel like this class has developed into an important championship like the [Dover Saddlery/USEF Hunter Seat Medal Final] and Maclay Finals. It is a class that we all look forward to, and to have such a prize for the kids and the trainers – it’s incredibly generous.”
McCutcheon of Aubrey, TX, piloted Chacco Star, owned by Kennedy McCaulley, to second place honors. Gibbs of Colorado Springs, CO, and Cent 15, owned by Mountain King Ranch LLC, rounded out the podium in third place.
2023 WEC Premier Equitation Cup Championship powered by Gary Yeomans Ford Results:
1. Kate Egan, Ypaja Kashmir
2. Carlee McCutcheon, Chacco Star
3. Jordan Gibbs, Cent 15
4. Ellie Aronson, Conthacco
5. Reese Merna, Trouvaille
6. Alexandra Ryden, Locadeur
7. Alexa Elle Lignelli, Lagerfeld
8. Christian Dominguez, Iwan
9. Josselyn Mersereau, Jeffery RW
10. Avery Glynn, Acer K
11. Ariana Marnell, Criminal Minds
12. Hannah Serfass, Quaxx 2
