Carlee McCutcheon Comes Through in the Clutch to Win the WEC CSI3* Grand Prix

Carlee McCutcheon's victory aboard the 15-year-old Oldenburg mare Aralyn Blue came during the first international Grand Prix of the Winter Spectacular Show Series at WEC Ocala. It was McCutcheon's first CSI3* and, at age 20, she was the youngest rider in the 1.50-meter class Saturday night. In addition, McCutcheon and the mare with the massive stride were one of only three pairs to cross the timers double clear in the jump-off in the $120,000 Grand Prix.

A truly international 1-2-3 finish

Ireland's Francis Derwin and Flexi K, a 13-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding, entered the arena under the lights as the second pair to try and catch McCutcheon, but stopped the timers 0.11 seconds slower.

Sharn Wordley of New Zealand and Brin D'or de Haute Melen Z, a12-year-old Zangersheide gelding, took third place.

Aaron Vale had the next highest placing for the U.S., coming in fourth with the 9-year-old Selle Francais gelding Helios du Moulin. Vale was the fastest four-faulter in the jump-off.

McCutcheon successes earlier in the week

McCutcheon finished third with Aralyn Blue in the $62,500 1.50m CSI3* Grand Prix Qualifier on Thursday, a class that fellow American Kent Farrington won. In addition, McCutcheon won the $32,000 1.45 meter CSIU25 Grand Prix that same day on Coco Mercedes.

Results for the top ight:

1 Carlee McCutcheon (U.S.) - ARALYN BLUE - 0/36.93

2 Francis Derwin (Ireland) - FLEXI K - 0/37.04

3 Sharn Wordley (New Zealand) - BRIN D'OR DE HAUTE MELEN Z - 0/38.31

4 Aaron Vale (U.S.) - HELIOS DU MOULIN - 4/37.16

5 Robert Blanchette (Ireland) - CHARDONNAY - 4/37.49

6 Sharn Wordley (New Zealand) - CHAMPION LEAGUES - 4/38.02

7 Carly Campbell Cooper (Canada) - U2 WESTLEVEN Z - 4/41.48

8 Daniel Coyle (Ireland) - FARREL - 8/36.09

Jamie Winning-Kermond was the fastest four-faulter in the first round aboard Tulara Wat Colblensky.

Photo courtesy of Andrew Ryback Photography