OCALA, Fla.--Lisa Goldman-Smolen on Ivaro N had one of the biggest wins of her career in the $300,000 Grand Prix at HITS Ocala on March 26.
Lisa Goldman Smolen on Ivaro N (Photo by ESI Photography)In a five-horse jump-off, Goldman-Smolen had the only clear round for the win.
Scott Keach (of Australia on Noble De La Chapelle was second with the fastest 4-fault jump-off, while Aaron Vale on Obi Wan placed third.
“I'm still on cloud nine, I still can't believe it – I’ve used up all my luck for the year,” said Goldman-Smolen. “I've been knocking on the door a long time in these bigger classes. I am so proud of my horse – he gave every ounce of effort.”
“Going first in the jump-off and a couple of fast riders behind me, I was trying to put in a good, fast round,” said Vale. “Unfortunately, I had one down. I really kind of got the ride the way I wanted. The horse is a bit inexperienced at this level, but he's a real trier, so it was unfortunate I couldn't have left that one up and put a little more pressure on the rest of them. But he had a great season on the new footing here. He loved it, so I can't complain at all.”
KEACH was next with Nobe De La Chapelle and looked to be the first clear, but had the penultimate vertical down, but his time of 44.117 seconds was still fast enough to move ahead of Vale to place second.
“I've spent a lot of time here this winter and I am really happy here,” said Keach. “It was a good class today ending with a good feeling and the horses jumping well. It’s never easy and I thought the course was spot on.”
Goldman-Smolen knew she could get a top ribbon if she was clean so took a more conservative track, finishing clean in 48.028 seconds to take over the lead and eventually the win.
“After watching the first few go in the jump-off my full goal was to go clean; it wasn't to go as fast as they went,” said Goldman-Smolen. “My goal was just to go double clear. I watched Aaron go first and even David in front of me trying to be conservative after the first two had the rails, but I was like, ‘No, I'm not gonna push it. I want to go clear.’ And I am so proud of my horse.”
“Ivaro N has been stepping up and getting better and better every year,” said Goldman-Smolen. “Every time he goes out there he tries so hard and he's been consistently double clear this year. He's just the sweetest animal and he wants to please.”
