Grace Griffin & Larinto VDR Race to the Top in the $7,500 1.20m Jr/Am Mini Prix
WEC Ohio - Winter Classic #2
7 December 2025 at 1:25 pmBy b.wehner
Junior and amateur riders brought the heat to the Standlee Sanctuary during Winter Classic 2, where fourteen competitors lined up for the $7,500 1.20m Junior/Amateur Mini Prix. With an immediate jump-off format in play, the class demanded accuracy, speed, and sharp decision-making from start to finish.
Griffin Sets an Untouchable Benchmark
Grace Griffin wasted no time staking her claim on the leaderboard. As the first to deliver a double-clear round, she and her seasoned partner Larinto VDR (Mr. Blue x Farinta Van’t Hertsveld) established the pace everyone else would chase. The 14-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding was sharp, adjustable, and all business as he sliced through the turns without touching a rail.
Their confident, efficient effort stopped the timers at 28.205 seconds—a benchmark that held through the remainder of the class and secured Griffin the win.
Tobin Delivers a Strong Challenge
Olivia Tobin and her own Casario De Soie Z, a 13-year-old Belgian Warmblood by Casario II, came closest to edging out Griffin. Their smooth, organized ride earned a time of 29.461 seconds, placing them comfortably in second after another well-executed double-clear.
Beal Secures the Final Podium Spot
Rounding out the top three, Bailey Beal piloted S Aliblue ABF (Carrasca Z x For His Glory), her seven-year-old Belgian Warmblood, to a forward and polished double-clear in 29.766 seconds. The pair’s consistency and pace sealed their third-place finish.
Jr/Am Talent Shines at WEC – Wilmington
Fast, competitive, and packed with precision riding, the Mini Prix once again highlighted the depth of talent in WEC – Wilmington’s Jr/Am divisions as Winter Classic 2 continues to build momentum.
Photo by Winslow Photography
Related Articles
World No. 1 Kent Farrington nominated as US Equestrian of Year
World No. 1 Kent Farrington has been nominated as US Equestrian of the Year and his Greya as a Horse of the Year nominee. Boyd Martin, the No. 2 ranked eventing rider in the world, was also nominated as Equestrian of the Year, along with driver Tracy Bowman.
Jumping6 hours ago
Mark Bluman and Phelina de Septon Capture the 5* Winning Round in the Desert
Three is a lucky number for Colombian Mark Bluman. He and the 10-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare Philina de Septon were the last to go in the jump-off and clocked in at 33.33 seconds to win the $62,500 1.50m FEI 5* Winning Round by BrainJava.Ireland's Conor Swail and the 13-year-old Holsteiner gelding Theo 160 finished second in the Major League Show Jumping (MLSJ) class in Thermal, California.
Jumping15 December 2025
Callie Schott and Garant Fly To a Win in the MLSJ Palm Springs Grand Prix
U.S. Rider Callie Schott and her partner Garant did not hold back in the jump-off at Desert International Horse Park. She and Garant were rewarded with the victory in the $340,000 1.60m FEI 5* Grand Prix by GoRentals in Thermal, California. "I think that was the fastest I've ever gone in my life," Schott said. "It was really fun.
Jumping15 December 2025
Latest News
World No. 1 Kent Farrington nominated as US Equestrian of Year
World No. 1 Kent Farrington has been nominated as US Equestrian of the Year and his Greya as a Horse of the Year nominee. Boyd Martin, the No. 2 ranked eventing rider in the world, was also nominated as Equestrian of the Year, along with driver Tracy Bowman.
Jumping6 hours agoFEI Publishes Equestrian Qualification Systems for 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles
The Equestrian Qualification systems for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics Games were approved at the FEI General Assembly 2025, and by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board during their meeting earlier this month (December 2025).
Other13 hours agoMark Bluman and Phelina de Septon Capture the 5* Winning Round in the Desert
Three is a lucky number for Colombian Mark Bluman. He and the 10-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare Philina de Septon were the last to go in the jump-off and clocked in at 33.33 seconds to win the $62,500 1.50m FEI 5* Winning Round by BrainJava.Ireland's Conor Swail and the 13-year-old Holsteiner gelding Theo 160 finished second in the Major League Show Jumping (MLSJ) class in Thermal, California.
Jumping15 December 2025