Course designer Pieter Vitse (BEL) built the delicate two-star track with a tight time allowed that kept riders on their toes. Nine combinations produced clear rounds to advance to the jump-off.

Nicholas Dello Joio (USA) was first to return, guiding Meralex Farm, Inc.’s nine-year-old Zangersheide gelding Elvis de L’othain Z (Elvis Ter Putte x Quidam de Revel) to a sharp round in 38.44 seconds, setting the early standard.

Fresh off a second-place finish in Thursday’s $117,000 MARS Equestrian Grand Prix Qualifier CSI4*, Dana entered the ring with his two-star mount Leonidas, determined to go one better. The pair, who earned a National Grand Prix victory together in December, executed a clear plan in the short course.

“I watched Nicolas before me, but it didn’t help my round because he has a very different style of horse. It was a much smaller, quicker-moving horse, so he did more strides than I did,” Dana shared. “I planned to do the leave-outs in the first two lines and stick with that, and it paid off.”

Dana and the 10-year-old KWPN gelding by Kannan flew through the timers in 37.49 seconds, taking over the lead and ultimately securing the win.

“He’s one that I have been very excited about,” Dana said of Leonidas. “He’s been doing the two-stars, and he’s really been knocking on the door. He’s been super competitive. He’s really trying hard to win, and he finally got the victory today.”

Looking ahead, Dana plans to let the gelding continue developing at his own pace. “If he keeps getting better and feeling confident, for sure we’ll keep moving up. But I want him to stay where he’s comfortable and where he enjoys it for now, then we’ll go from there.”

Belgium’s Zoe Conter finished just behind the leader aboard Stephex Stables’ 12-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding Loui LN (Kannan x Cartani), producing a fast and clear effort in 38.33 seconds to secure second place, while Dello Joio ultimately rounded out the podium in third.

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