The 2025 HITS Ocala Winter Circuit kept the excitement soaring on Saturday, March 8, with its headline event — the $80,000 Core Specialty Insurance Grand Prix. Spectators witnessed a thrilling showcase of speed and precision as Tracy Fenney (USA) and her longtime partner MTM Apple delivered another dominant performance to secure the win.
With elite horse-and-rider combinations battling for top honors, esteemed course designers Florencio Hernandez (MEX) and Danny Foster (CAN) crafted a challenging track featuring delicate verticals, wide oxers, and technical rollback turns designed to test even the most seasoned competitors. Eleven pairs navigated the first round fault-free, setting the stage for a high-stakes jump-off.
Sharn Wordley (NZL) and Hagelin set the early standard, laying down a blazing clear round in 41.838 seconds — a time that appeared nearly untouchable as others struggled to keep the rails up. That was until Fenney and MTM Apple stepped into the spotlight, galloping through the course with signature exactitude to stop the clock at an unbeatable 40.291 seconds and claimed victory.
“There really weren’t many turns,” said Fenney of the jump-off. “There was a lot of galloping, which is ‘Apple’s’ forte. I made sure to stay out in some turns more than I did last week because she cuts left, but she was awesome.”
Though MTM Apple may not have the most conventional look, Fenney credits the 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare (Favorit Ask x Willemoes) for her immense heart and determination. The victory was even sweeter as it fell on International Women’s Day.
“Everyone says, ‘I’m the biggest Apple fan,’ but I’m really the biggest Apple fan,” shared Fenney. “Everyone knows her, and she’s such a trier. I love that she got to win on her day.”
Reflecting on her own journey in the sport, Fenney offered words of wisdom for young women aspiring to rise through the ranks.
“Hard work pays off,” she stated. “Never feel like you’re too good to do something. You can watch and learn from everyone. And don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty!”
Devin Ryan (USA) and Mondorado, his own eight-year-old KWPN gelding (Eldorado Van De Zeshoek x Padinus), finished as the runners-up, just off the pace in a time of 40.939 seconds. Wordley’s time aboard Della Wordley’s 13-year-old Hanoverian gelding (Stolzenberg x Graf Grannus), Hagelin, held strong for third place.
The excitement at the HITS Ocala Winter Finals extended well beyond the Grand Prix, with top-notch competition unfolding throughout the week. Wednesday, March 5, kicked off with the $2,500 Adequan Open Welcome, where Aida Sanchez (USA) and Mayla, her own nine-year-old Holsteiner mare (Mylord Carthago x Calando V), delivered a flawless double-clear round in 41.815 seconds to secure the victory. Samuel Pegg (CAN) followed closely, piloting Harlow Investment Enterprises LLC’s eight-year-old Holsteiner mare by Cassin, Casey H, to a second-place finish in 42.067 seconds. Rounding out the top three was Ashley Baker and Caressiloubeta, her 13-year-old Oldenburg mare (Caressini L x Balou Du Rouet), crossing the timers in 43.961 seconds.
Thursday’s $25,000 Alliant Private Client Cup brought another electrifying showdown, with fierce competition until the final ride. Jared Petersen (USA) and Kawir MS, a nine-year-old Belgian Sport Horse gelding (Comme Il Faut x Diamant De Semilly) owned by Jordan Petersen, delivered a blazing jump-off round in 50.825 seconds to claim the top spot. François Lamontagne (CAN) and Lacros VDL, Groupe Zacar, Inc.’s nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Kannan x Indorado), followed closely behind, securing second place with a time of 51.468 seconds. Rounding out the podium was Devin Ryan and Mondorado, scoring their first impressive placing of the week in 54.901 seconds for third.
Speed stole the show on Friday in the $15,000 STX Open Speed Class, where Madison Kondracki (USA) and her own nine-year-old Hanoverian gelding by Escudo I, E Storm Cat, blazed through the course to secure victory in a lightning-fast 60.222 seconds. Tracy Fenney and MTM Puzzle, an eight-year-old Oldenburg gelding (Carrera x Landfriese I) owned by MTM Farm, followed closely behind to claim second place in 66.250 seconds. Kondracki continued her dominance, rounding out the top three aboard her 15-year-old KWPN mare (Vagabond de la Pomme x Up And Down Celle Broedersbos), Fuptricia van Beek, with a final time of 67.416 seconds.
The week wrapped up in spectacular fashion with Sunday’s $24,500 Horseflight Jumper Classic, delivering a thrilling finale to the competition. Tracy Fenney and MTM My Life Be Like, MTM Farm’s talented eight-year-old KWPN mare (VDL Zirocco Blue N.O.P. x Cartano), blazed through the course to clinch victory with an impressive time of 40.289 seconds. Close behind, Andre Thieme (GER) and Chavanna PS, his own nine-year-old Oldenburg mare (Chacoon Blue x Sanvaro), delivered a strong performance to claim second place in 40.623 seconds. Rounding out the podium, Tim Maddrix piloted Marvelous, Missy Nolen’s eight-year-old KWPN gelding (Eldorado Van De Zeshoek x Sam R), to a third-place finish in 41.348 seconds.
With Week 8 in the books, excitement is mounting as the 2025 HITS Ocala Winter Circuit rolls on. Riders and fans eagerly await more world-class competition, set to resume on Tuesday, March 11, with the highly anticipated Ocala Winter Celebration.
