Thieme Triumphs at $100,000 Grand Prix in Ocala

The 2025 HITS Ocala Winter Circuit concluded with excitement at the Ocala Championship, particularly with the $100,000 Great American Insurance Group Grand Prix held on Saturday, March 22nd. Andre Thieme from Germany and his horse For Dilando PS showcased an exceptional performance, earning the main prize in a dramatic finish. A total of 22 skilled horse-and-rider pairs participated in the event, where renowned course designer Olaf Petersen Jr. from Germany created a demanding track that tested their precision, agility, and speed.

The course included delicate verticals, wide oxers, and technical rollback turns, posing significant challenges. Ultimately, Thieme became the only rider capable of achieving a fault-free round, thus securing victory automatically. He meticulously planned his strategy while walking the course before the event, which proved effective as he navigated For Dilando PS, his nine-year-old Hanoverian gelding, through a flawless round on just their third grand prix together.

While juggling various commitments, Thieme is also representing Team Germany in the Longines League of Nations at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala during the same week. His decision to participate in the Grand Prix was clearly vindicated. Last year’s champion, Sharn Wordley from New Zealand, was again a prominent competitor, finishing second with his horse Valentine Car, a 16-year-old American Warmblood gelding, who recorded the fastest four-fault round in 79.065 seconds. Wordley also claimed third place aboard Conto Blanco 4, a 10-year-old German Warmblood gelding, finishing in 81.680 seconds.