Francois Lamontagne Takes the $24,500 Alliant Private Client Cup at HITS Ocala

Canadian Francois Lamontagne and the 12-year-old Zangersheide mare Thunderbird VH Scheefkasteel Z delivered a fast and flowing jump-off round to outpace the closest competitor to win the $24,500 Alliant Private Client Cup on Thursday at HITS Ocala.

The jump-off time for Todd Minikus seemed hard to beat, until...

Todd Minikus and Chacoons Bellis Z, a 9-year-old Zangersheide mare, finished second, just 0.164 seconds behind Lamontagne. Minikus was first to go in the jump-off, stopping the timers at a fierce pace, one that would be seemingly difficult to catch. However, enter Lamontagne and Thunderbird, who, three trips later, rose to the challenge. Hannah Matts and Markant came in third, about half a second behind Minikus.

In a field of 24, 12 advanced to the jump-off where nine went double clear, and some of the other times also were especially close.

ClipMyHorse.TV is streaming from HITS Ocala HERE.

Top Six Results

1 Francois Lamontagne - THUNDERBIRD VH SCHEEFKASTEEL Z - 0/36.025

2 Todd Minikus - CHACOONS BELLIS Z - 0/36.189

3 Hannah Matts - MARKANT - 0/36.691

4 Lisa Goldman-Smolen - SOVEREIGN - 0/36.773

5 Marylisa Leffler - ZAZA Z - 0/37.392

6 Hayley Waters Wear - OVER LUX - 0/38.732

Jordan Petersen and Londen finished seventh, on the heels of Hayley Waters Wear with a clear round and jump-off time of 38.969 seconds.

Marylisa Leffler and Zaza Z, who were fourth in the Alliant Private Client Cup, won the $10,000 Adequan Welcome on Wednesday.