Ireland's Thomas Wachman is making his first week at Hits Ocala a winning one, capturing the $25,000 Grand Prix with Donegal (Vigo CeCe), marking the duo’s first victory together.
Donegal was in the past competed by some of the world best riders like Sergio Alvarez Moya (ESP) and Italy's Lorenzo De Luca.
The pair bested a six-horse jump-off, with the Irishman finishing just one second ahead of Australia’s Matt Williams (AUS) and ABC Quantum Cruise (Obos Quality). The third place prize went to Doug Payne (USA) and Chaccolate (Chacco-Blue), as all the riders now look ahead to Sunday’s Great American $300,000 Grand Prix.
“It’s the first class we’ve won together, so I am happy with Donegal – he jumped very well,” said Wachman after his win. “He’s very careful, he’s scopey, really good against the clock. We are getting to know each other a bit and today we seem to have found what works hopefully!”