Ireland's Robert Blanchette on Chardonnay Wins Ocala $75,000 Grand Prix

Robert Blanchette & Chardonnay Do It Again--$75,000 Ocala Grand Prix

Ireland's Robert Blanchette on Chardonnay added the $75,000 Wheels Up Grand Prix to his three international victories at Ocala's World Equestrian Center Saturday night.

Robert and the 14-year-old mare were the fastest clear on 39.831 secs. in the jump-off of 10 combinations in the national competition as Florida horse sports heat up ahead of the intense winter circuit.

Rowan Willis of Australia but based in Ocala on the 10-year-old Mexican-owned gelding Cape Town were 0.574 secs. back to place second.

American Richard Spooner, a veteran of 15 World Cup Finals, placed third on Belle Esprit 4/10th of a second further behind.

Results (top 10)

1. Robert Blanchette (IRL) & Chardonnay
2. Rowan Willis (AUS) & Cape Town
3. Richard Spooner (USA) & Belle Esprit
4. Sharn Wordley (NZL) & Brin D'Or de Haute
5. Samantha Schaefer (USA) & Frasier
6. Darragh Kerins (IRL) & Lissino
7. Kyle Dewar (CAN) & Constatin de Hus
8. Ryan Michael Genn (USA) & Venezia d'Austral Z
9. Morgan Ward-Knowlton (USA) & GF Diego
10. .Aaron Vale (USA) & Chutter du Rouet PS

Robert Blanchette of Ireland on Chardonnay. Photo: Andrew Ryback