Lauren Balcomb Blazes to Victory in $130,000 Wheels Up Grand Prix CSI3*
WEC Ocala
July 14, 2025 at 12:35 PMBy b.wehner
International show jumping lit up the arena at World Equestrian Center – Ocala as Lauren Balcomb and Verdini D’houtveld Z soared to a commanding win in the $130,000 Wheels Up Grand Prix CSI3*—the highlight event of the week.
Against a world-class field of 30 horse-and-rider combinations representing 14 countries, Balcomb delivered a performance that was nothing short of electric. FEI Level III course designer Peter Grant (CAN) laid a technical track that tested adjustability, scope, and precision. Eleven combinations navigated the first round without faults, setting the stage for a high-octane jump-off.
Balcomb, representing Australia, laid down a fearless, forward ride aboard Verdini D’houtveld Z (Verdi TN x Caretino 2), attacking every turn and never touching the brakes. The pair crossed the timers in a blazing 39.85 seconds, a time that none of the other finalists could match.
With that, Balcomb claimed the win in style—cementing her spot at the top and delivering a Grand Prix victory that thrilled fans and showcased her rising presence on the international stage.
Photo by Stefan Lafrentz
Related Articles
McLain Ward Claims Victory at Washington International Horse Show
McLain Ward, six-time Olympian and ranked 10th in the world, rode First Lady to victory in the Washington International Horse Show Welcome Stake Thursday night to qualify for the CSI5* $340,000 President’s Cup.McLain and the 12-year-old mare completed the jump-off in 33.15 secs. For the first victory since March when the partnership took the CSI5* at Wellington, International.
Jumping3 hours agoVideo Available
Boddy and Keatingstown Miami Win $100,000 Grand Prix de Penn National
Matthew Boddy and Keatingstown Miami claimed top honors in the $100,000 Grand Prix de Penn National at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show! In his first appearance at this storied event, Boddy defeated a stacked field in the Harrisburg arena—delivering a winning jump-off time of 34.26 seconds aboard his powerhouse mare.
JumpingOctober 22, 2025Video Available
"The best horse I've ever ridden" - Conor Swail's Count Me In retires from the sport
9 FEI Grand Prix victories and 56 top-three placings. For 3½ years, Count Me In and Conor Swail belonged to the world's best show jumping pairs – now Conor Swail is retiring his 18-year-old Count Me In from competition. 'The best horse I've ever ridden,’ is how Conor Swail describes his “Crosby” on Instagram.
JumpingOctober 22, 2025Video Available
Latest News
US Equestrian Announces Para Dressage Team for 2025 Tryon Fall Dressage III CPEDI3*
US Equestrian has announced the athlete-and-horse combinations that will represent the U.S. Para Dressage Team at the 2025 Tryon Fall Dressage III CPEDI3*. Chef d’Equipe Michael Assouline and Team Leader Laureen Johnson will lead the team.
Dressage37 minutes agoMcLain Ward Claims Victory at Washington International Horse Show
McLain Ward, six-time Olympian and ranked 10th in the world, rode First Lady to victory in the Washington International Horse Show Welcome Stake Thursday night to qualify for the CSI5* $340,000 President’s Cup.McLain and the 12-year-old mare completed the jump-off in 33.15 secs. For the first victory since March when the partnership took the CSI5* at Wellington, International.
Jumping3 hours agoLori Donfrancesco Captures Victory in Adult Equitation Championship 36+
Championship OverviewRiding Cincibuch with trademark polish and precision, Lori Donfrancesco claimed top honors in the NHS Adult Equitation Championship (36+) at the legendary National Horse Show.A Confident, Standout PerformanceHer smooth, confident ride set the standard in a field packed with experienced competitors, earning her a well-deserved win under the bright lights of the Alltech Arena.
Other7 hours ago