The $15,000 1.45m Two Phase Special was the highlight Jumping event of the afternoon as a field of international horse-and-rider combinations put forth their best efforts over a two-phase track built by Colm Quinn (IRL). Emilie Conter (BEL) clinched her second victory of the week, piloting Stephex Stables’ Cilanto XC Z (Chellsini Z x Quintu
Fresh off her Wednesday triumph in the 1.40m Speed CSI3*, the talented athlete maintained her momentum. She had a straightforward strategy for the 10-year-old Zangersheide stallion, “I saw that there weren’t many lines in the second phase. I knew I had to be efficient enough and stay close to all the jumps. To be honest, sometimes I tend to add one, but my horse was jumping so well everything came up perfectly.”
Navigating the first six fences with ease, Conter and Cilanto XC Z (breeder: Xavier Coninckx) shifted into high gear for the second phase and stopped the clock at 40.64 seconds to secure the win.
Looking ahead, Conter hopes to return to World Equestrian Center – Ocala for the grand finale week of the 2024 Winter Spectacular Show Series, “Belgium is sending their A-team for the [Longines League of Nations™], but I am hoping a spot opens up. I am going to put myself in as a possible candidate and see where it goes, but I would love the opportunity to jump in this ring to get some more experience and jump some even bigger fences.”
Conter praised the WEC Grand Arena, describing it as one of her favorite aspects of the venue. “I love to be in a ring anywhere, but here, it’s unbelievable. The atmosphere is so fun, everyone claps and cheers you on. It’s so nice and welcoming here, and the ring is gorgeous.”
Carlos Hank Guerreiro (MEX) and H5 Sporthorses LLC’s nine-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding H5 Shaq Attack by Cornet Obolensky claimed second place with a swift time of 41.02 seconds in the speed phase.
Juan Pablo Gnecco (COL) secured another podium finish, this time riding his own 13-year-old Oldenburg gelding Conthargran, clocking in at 42.50 seconds in the second phase to round out the top three.
