News

Thieme makes Germany proud at HITS Ocala

Mar 19, 2013

Andre Thieme didn't think it was Contanga 3's day when they were one of nine pairs to return to jump off yesterday in the $100,000 Sullivan GMC Truck Grand Prix, presented by Great American Insurance Group, at HITS Ocala. 

Mexico's Florencio Hernandez built the track that 48 pairs rode on Sunday. In front of a packed VIP tent and exuberant crowd that stacked the grandstands at HITS Ocala for the richest class of the season, Thieme was first to return to the short course. He and Contanga 3 finished in 50.51 seconds, topping one of the largest grand prix fields HITS Ocala has ever seen.

Thieme was crowned Pfizer Million champion in 2011 after riding Aragon Rouet to a historic victory. Thieme knows good horses after he and Aragon Rouet rode to the richest prize in show jumping over one of the most difficult courses he will ever face, but he admits that Contanga 3 is rapidly becoming one of the best horses he has ever ridden. 

In the jump-off, the only rider to challenge with another clear round was Aaron Vale. After winning Thursday's $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix, presented by Zoetis, Vale and Zippo II were fifth to go in the second-round order and were just over a second shy of the win with a time of 51.73 seconds.

Third went to Megan Wexler and Cadence. They were the fastest in the jump-off with a time of 48.72 seconds, but picked up a heartbreak rail at the final fence, the plank coming home, for four faults. Wexler, however, wasn't the only one to find trouble at the plank. The diabolical fence also ruined clear rounds for Callie Morgan Smith on Captain Krutzmann and Thieme with Catharina 9.

Thieme had four horses in the grand prix and made it to the jump-off with three, finishing fourth on Catharina 9 with a four-fault, 51.48-second round. He was also seventh on Quonshbob and finished out of the money with Klitschko. Thieme owns both horses.

Capping the top five, 17-year-old Michael Hughes piloted MacArthur to a time of 51.66 seconds with one rail down.

Source: Press release from HITS, Inc.