Reddick, FL - November 16, 2019: The 2019 Ocala Jockey Club 3-Day Event (OJC3DE) is offering over $16,500 in cash prizes across the four divisions for Thoroughbreds competing at this weekend’s inaugural event. The Ocala Jockey Club is the host to this world-class Eventing competition, which this year serves as a qualifier for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, but it is also a Thoroughbred farm. Ocala itself is a mecca for all things Thoroughbred so it only makes sense to honour these horses with special awards at this event.

There are an impressive 30 Thoroughbreds competing across all four divisions at this year’s OJC3DE. They were certainly a treat to watch galloping across the beautiful terrain on today’s cross-country course. After cross-country, leading the way for the Thoroughbred contingent in the CCI4*-L is Phillip Dutton’s (USA) ride, Sea Of Clouds in 2^nd place. Moving up from 12 place after dressage, they were one of only two pairs to make the optimum time. When asked whether the Thoroughbred awards influenced Phillip’s decision to bring him here he said: 

“I liked the idea of him being a Thoroughbred and coming here.”

Right behind them is Erin Sylvester’s (USA) mount, Campground moving from 24 to 3^rd. Blazing around the course adding only one time penalty to their dressage score Erin reveals the back story on what an incredible horse Campground truly is:

“He has been with me since he was three. The lady that owns him, Marnie Kelly, has been a long time client of mine and she bought him in Kentucky when she went down to watch the Lexington World Equestrian Games in 2010. He never raced, he trained but he never actually made it to a race. He has been a horse for both of us his whole life. Marnie rides him once or twice a week. Some weeks she rides him more and he will do those two jobs and it is really impressive that he does that. She is so sweet and loves him to death. He actually will do one or two Training level events a year with her at something local. He takes her out of the start box and goes and has a blast. He has an absolute heart of gold.” 

In the CCI3*-L there are four Thoroughbreds competing with Arden Wildasin (USA) and Il Vici sitting in 5th place putting them in top spot for the Thoroughbred Eventing Champion award in this division after cross-country. 

There were an impressive 16 Thoroughbreds who tackled cross-country today in the CCI2*-L. Mia Farley (USA) piloted Phelps to a double clear round today, securing 13^th place heading into tomorrow’s show jumping and making him the highest placed Thoroughbred in the CCI2*-L at the moment.

In the CCI4*-S there are four Thoroughbreds and they tackled show jumping today. Kalen Speck’s Sweet Rebellion jumped around with only two time penalties to move up from 21^st place after dressage to 15^th and putting him as the front-runner for the big cash prize.

Off-the-track Thoroughbreds are plentiful and they all need second careers. It is important to recognize their continued success in the Eventing world at top competitions like the OJC3DE. Reviewing today’s results it is apparent that this breed makes for a great event horse especially at the upper-levels. The Ocala Jockey Club would also like to recognize sponsors from the racing industry who have sponsored the 2019 OJC Event with jump sponsorships or event program advertising: Gainesway, Fasig-Tipton, Eddie Woods, Kathleen O’Connell and Muirfield Insurance.

Stay tuned to find out which special horses are crowned the Thoroughbred Eventing Champions at the end of tomorrow’s competition. Also, on tomorrow’s schedule, the Retired Racehorse Project will present their popular Master Class with 3 experienced professionals getting paired up with 3 newly retired off-track Thoroughbreds to show the audience the first few retraining tasks.

Phillip Dutton and Sea of Clouds are in 2nd overall and 1st in the Thoroughbred Eventing Champion division before Sunday show jumping at the 2019 Ocala Jockey Club International 3-Day Event. Photo credit: Shannon Brinkman Photo Team.

Sunday Schedule: The competition will wind down with the end of the 2019 OJC3DE with the CCI-L divisions show jumping and the CCI4*-S running cross-country. 

Retired Racehorse Project Master Class will run after the conclusion of show jumping, at approximately 3:30 pm.

At this year’s 4^th annual OJC3DE there will be plenty of other spectator attractions with demonstrations, Kid Zone, vendor village and food vendors. General admission is $10 per day, or $25 for weekend admission and the event program. Parking is free. Tailgating is available on Saturday’s cross-country day for $95. VIP access in the picturesque Fireside Room of the OJC Clubhouse starts at$250. Tickets and event information are available on the Event website. 

The Ocala Jockey Club International 3-Day Event at the picturesque 950-acre OJC facility has established itself as a premier fall FEI event in the Southeast, with riders praising the venue’s footing, galloping tracks, viewing opportunities and rolling hills reminiscent of the English countryside. 

For more information:The 2019 Ocala Jockey Club International 3-Day Event: www.ojc3de.com.The Ocala Jockey Club facility is a crown jewel in the horse country of Ocala, Florida. It serves as a Thoroughbred training farm and to stand stallions, as well as featuring townhomes and an iconic clubhouse functioning as a unique venue for weddings, meetings and other special events. For more information on the Ocala Jockey Club: www.OcalaJC.com.

Phillip Dutton and Fernhill PickPocket

Will Coleman and Chin Tonic HS