Richard Spooner Delivers Spectacular One-Two Finish in $150,000 UF Health CSI3* Grand Prix at Ocala; Luis Fernando Larrazábal Completes the Podium.

Richard Spooner (USA), one of the leading riders in the Tu Mundo Ecuestre Pan American Ranking, produced one of the standout performances of the Summer Series at World Equestrian Center – Ocala, capturing both first and second place in the $150,000 UF Health CSI3 Grand Prix* in Florida.

Riding Lyjanair, a 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Lyjanero x Coriano) owned by Show Jumping Syndications Int’l, Spooner delivered an unbeatable jump-off round in 43.37 seconds to secure victory. The American also claimed runner-up honors aboard Belle Esprit, a 10-year-old Zangersheide mare (Cicero Z van Paemel x Baloubet du Rouet) owned by Serenity Spring Farm, who crossed the timers in 45.63 seconds to complete a remarkable one-two finish.

FEI Level IV course designer Anthony D’Ambrosio (USA) built the demanding 1.50m track that attracted 26 horse-and-rider combinations representing nine nations. Only eight combinations produced fault-free first rounds to advance to the jump-off.

Venezuela’s Luis Fernando Larrazábal once again confirmed his outstanding form by finishing third aboard Feeling Chance, an 11-year-old Selle Français mare (Cornet Obolensky x Diamant de Semilly) owned by Marie Bourdin.

The Venezuelan was the first rider to return for the jump-off and immediately set the benchmark with a brilliant clear round in 45.94 seconds, holding the lead for much of the class before Spooner returned aboard both of his mounts.

Larrazábal’s performance once again established him as the highest-placed Latin American rider and one of the major protagonists of the evening.

After watching Larrazábal’s impressive jump-off, Spooner admitted he wasn’t convinced he could catch the Venezuelan aboard his first horse. “I watched Luis, and he was amazing. Belle Esprit is younger and greener than Lyjanair, and I didn’t think I could actually catch him, but she was dialed in.” Belle Esprit temporarily moved into the lead, but Spooner still had one final opportunity aboard Lyjanair.

“There was only one plan: go as fast as I can. You try to play to your horse’s strengths, and he has a huge stride.”

The American executed a nearly flawless jump-off, stopping the clock in 43.37 seconds to complete one of the finest performances of his season.

Latin & Pan American Presence

Beyond Spooner’s dominant one-two finish, the Tu Mundo Ecuestre Pan American Ranking was once again strongly represented throughout the Grand Prix. Alongside Luis Fernando Larrazábal’s podium finish, several riders from the Americas placed among the top competitors, including Aaron Vale (USA) in sixth with four faults in the jump-off (45.80 seconds), Tanner Korotkin (USA) seventh on four faults (46.26), Chloe D. Reid (USA) eighth with four faults (47.56), and Luis Pedro Biraben (ARG) ninth after producing the fastest four-fault first-round performance in 75.45 seconds.

Top 5 Results — FEI $150,000 UF Health CSI3* Grand Prix (1.50m)