Robert Blanchette and Chardonnay Shine Bright

An electric atmosphere filled the WEC Grand Arena at World Equestrian Center – Ocala as thirty-one elite international competitors representing 13 countries contested Saturday night’s feature class: the $130,000 Lugano Grand Prix CSI3*. After a thrilling 10-horse jump-off, it was Robert Blanchette (IRL) and his longtime partner Chardonnay who delivered a lightning-fast round to seize the win.

Designed by FEI Level IV course architect Anderson Lima (MEX), the first-round track demanded precision, adjustability, and a touch of boldness. Just ten combinations managed to answer the questions with fault-free rides, advancing to what became a high-stakes short course.

Chloe Reid (USA) set the pace early with Crossover 4, her talented 12-year-old Hanoverian gelding. Their efficient, double-clear performance in 40.15 seconds immediately put pressure on the field. Riders who followed, including Luis Pedro Biraben (ARG) and Luis Sabino Goncalves (POR), were quick but faulted—leaving the door open for someone to take it all.

Enter Blanchette and Chardonnay, a 13-year-old mare by Comme Il Faut 5 out of a Jus De Pomme dam. With fluid precision and unmatched speed, the pair blazed through the timers in 39.00 seconds, a time that ultimately proved untouchable.

Peter Petschenig (AUT) and Ennebel Van Het Posthuijs, a 16-year-old KWPN mare, came close with a slick round in 40.43 seconds, which slotted them into third behind Reid and Crossover 4.

With style, speed, and a trusted partnership, Blanchette and Chardonnay delivered a performance to remember—capping off a thrilling evening under the lights in Ocala.

Photo by Stefan Lafrentz