Week two of the 2026 HITS Ocala Winter Circuit continued in winning form on Saturday, January 24, as the Ocala January Festival welcomed top combinations back to the Grand Prix Ring at HITS Post Time Farm for one of the week’s marquee events. With a strong field on hand, attention centered on the $60,000 Voltaire Grand Prix, where Ocala local Tracy Fenney (USA) once again delivered under pressure — this time aboard MTM Myrbalia O. With Fenney showcasing her signature speed and consistency, the pair produced a confident, fault-free performance to secure the victory.
Course designer Martin Otto (GER) set a thoughtful Grand Prix track that encouraged forward riding while still demanding precision, presenting careful questions throughout the course. From a competitive starting list of 27 horse-and-rider combinations, six advanced to the high-stakes jump-off, with Fenney ultimately rising to the top.
“She’s very aggressive,” said Fenney of MTM Farm’s nine-year-old KWPN mare (Davenport VDL x Cardento 933). “I’ve only had her for about three months, but I feel like she can jump whatever we put in front of her.”
Fenney qualified two mounts for the jump-off, first returning with her Ocala January Classic $60,000 HITS Grand Prix winner MTM Apple, MTM Farm’s 15-year-old Danish Warmblood mare (Favorit Ask x Willemoes). Opting for outside turns while maintaining speed, Fenney set a competitive pace in 41.195 seconds. It proved to not be quite quick enough, as Haley Waters-Wear (USA)narrowly edged out Fenney with a blazing fast round aboard Over Lux. Piloting the 14-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Lux Z x Cruising) owned by Chuck Waters, Waters Wear flew through the timers in 40.657 seconds to take over the provisional lead. “I thought on my first horse I could be fast just going forward and taking the outside track,” explained Fenney. “When that wasn’t enough, I knew I really had to go for it on my second ride.”
Go for it, she did. Stopping the clock in a lightning-fast 39.529 seconds, Fenney clinched the win with MTM Myrbalia O. Waters Wear had to settle for the runner-up spot, while Fenney completed the top three with MTM Apple.
“She’s so powerful and strong,” added Fenney of her latest grey sensation. “She jumped every jump almost from a standstill.”
The victory marked Fenney’s second consecutive Grand Prix win at HITS Ocala, as well as her second Frank & Eileen Leading Lady Rider Award. When asked what the honor means to her and what advice she would give aspiring female riders, Fenney was quick to respond.
“Work hard every day,” she said. “I still work hard every day. I fed the horses this morning, cleaned stalls, and I like being hands-on so I know how they’re feeling. I think it’s inspiring to see people truly put in the work.”
Fenney and her team at MTM Farm are based in Ocala year-round, making HITS Ocala a staple on their winter schedule.
“I love showing here,” she continued. “It’s organized, it’s easy to be here, and you always know what to expect. It’s great for the young horses too. The courses were challenging this week and gave them all really valuable miles.”
Action at the Ocala January Festival wraps up on Sunday, January 25, with Jumper Classic competition for amateur and junior riders. The Winter Circuit then picks right back up on Wednesday, January 28, as the Ocala Premiere gets underway at HITS Post Time Farm. Full results from the week are available at showmanagementsystem.com.
