Aaron Vale Doubles Down with Dramatic Father’s Day Grand Prix Victory

Aaron Vale was unstoppable on Father’s Day, riding the wave of momentum from Saturday night straight into another electrifying win—this time in the $50,000 YETI National Grand Prix at the World Equestrian Center – Ocala.

The seasoned U.S. rider piloted Messbluecento PS, a promising young gelding by Messenger out of Chaccenta, to the top of a fierce 10-horse jump-off. Under looming gray skies and a shift in weather, Vale proved unshakable, guiding the Don Stewart and Thinkslikeahorse-owned mount to a blistering double-clear that sealed his second major win of the weekend.

Andy Christiansen set the technical tracks for the morning class, which drew 35 entries. Ten riders produced faultless first rounds, but only six managed to replicate the feat in the shortened course.

New Zealand’s Sharn Wordley and Menetto PS were the first to post a double-clear, setting the pace at 40.317 seconds. That lead was soon overtaken by Olympian Lauren Hough aboard Clarisall Junior, a nimble nine-year-old Warmblood, who shaved off nearly two seconds to stop the clock at 38.636.

Just when the pressure mounted and rain began to fall, Argentina’s Luis Pedro Biraben delivered a bold, forward ride aboard Baileys Van De Broy Z, sprinting through the timers in 37.062 seconds. The round looked untouchable—until Vale stepped in.

Entering last, Vale unleashed the full potential of Messbluecento PS in a calculated and fearless round that edged out Biraben and secured yet another podium finish. With back-to-back Grand Prix victories, Vale reminded everyone why he remains one of America’s most consistent and dynamic athletes in the sport.