Samuel Parot Closes Out the Ocala Summer Series with a Historic One-Two in the $50,000 Mane ‘n Tail Grand Prix.

The perfect closing act, Samuel Parot swept first and second place in the closing Grand Prix of the Summer Series.

Samuel Parot (CHI), former Tu Mundo Ecuestre Latin Ranking leader and current No. 7 in the standings, delivered the most brilliant performance of the afternoon, claiming the $50,000 Mane ‘n Tail American Standard Grand Prix at the 2026 Summer Series Week X at World Equestrian Center Ocala, designed by Leopoldo Palacios (VEN) with 30 combinations on course, a track so demanding it produced 8 retirements, 1 elimination and several combinations exceeding the time allowed, with only 6 qualifying for the jump-off. Parot crossed the finish with Tiffany de Olid in 40.638 seconds to secure first place, with his other horse Contigo Z in second place in 41.240 seconds.

The strategy was masterful, Parot returned first in the jump-off with Contigo Z, an 11-year-old grey Zangersheide gelding, taking calculated risks knowing he had another mount waiting. “With Contigo Z I took some risks because I knew I had one later. He is very green and also very small, but he has everything. He’s confident, careful, smart and fast, I think he will become a top horse.” He then returned with Tiffany de Olid, a 14-year-old chestnut CDE mare (Huppydam des Horts x Centauer Z) owned by Parot himself, and executed the perfect plan. “The mare is so fast, naturally fast, and she knows everything from her experience. I went for it on the last one and did one less on her, and I was able to get the win.”

Tomás Yofre (ARG) finished third with Cardora, a 16-year-old grey Holsteiner mare (Caretino 2 x Clearway) owned by Stellium Sport Horses LLC, in 42.760 seconds, the closest to Parot’s time. Megan Wexler (USA) finished fourth with Ledoux, owned by Felyn Farms, in 43.008 seconds. Lauren Balcomb (USA) followed with Verdini d’Houtveld Z, a 15-year-old bay Zangersheide gelding (Verdi TN x Caretino 2) owned by Balcomb herself, in 43.744 seconds.

Fernando Cárdenas (COL) was the only other Latin rider in the Top 6, finishing sixth with Balou’s Honora Car, a 9-year-old bay AHS mare (Balou du Rouet x Galiani Ch) owned by Cárdenas himself, in 43.999 seconds.

Latin & Pan American Presence

A historic performance from Samuel Parot (CHI), first and second place in the same Grand Prix. Tomás Yofre (ARG) third and Fernando Cárdenas (COL) sixth completed a remarkable Latin presence at the close of the Summer Series.

Top 6 Results — $50,000 Mane ‘n Tail 1.45m Grand Prix | 2026 Summer Series Week X — WEC Ocala