Claire Darnell and Kelly-Baxley Shine on Opening Day of the March CDI3* at WEC Ocala
Ocala, Florida (USA) – The opening day of the WEC March Dressage CDI3*, presented by Hampton Green Farms at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, delivered impressive performances on Friday, March 6, 2026, with two notable victories at Grand Prix level. Interestingly, the day’s winners were both partnered with exceptionally tall horses, each standing well over 17 hands.
In the Grand Prix for Freestyle CDI3*, American rider Claire Darnell claimed victory with Harrold S, earning a score of 66.891%. The result marked the pair’s first international Grand Prix victory.
Darnell’s partnership with Harrold S is particularly meaningful. She discovered the horse as a four-year-old and brought him to the United States the following year. The 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Vivaldi x Fidermark) has progressed through the levels alongside his rider, developing into a competitive Grand Prix partner.
“That makes our partnership really special,” Darnell explained. “I know everything about him, and he can completely read my emotions. I can already tell what kind of ride it will be while I’m getting him ready in the stall. He’s my competition partner but also my favorite pet.”
The pair began their journey at the lower levels and gradually worked their way up to Grand Prix, making their debut at the level in November 2022. After several international starts in 2023, Darnell chose to return to foundational training to refine certain technical elements—particularly the piaffe—before returning to the competition arena in 2026.
Among the highlights of Friday’s test were the trot half-passes and pirouettes, movements that consistently showcase Harrold S’s strengths, as well as the piaffe-passage tour on the final center line.
Argentina’s Leonardo Antonio Godoy finished second with the 10-year-old Lusitano stallion Marques Do Lis, scoring 66.370%, while Great Britain’s Charlotte Osborne placed third aboard Fruhlingszauber with 64.348%.
In the Grand Prix for Special CDI3*, the win went to American rider Jodie Kelly-Baxley and Grayton Beach, who achieved a personal best score of 68.152%.
The pair, who have been together for 12 years, are currently enjoying a strong competitive streak. After stepping away from the show arena in 2024, they returned with renewed confidence and partnership. In their last seven starts, Kelly-Baxley and Grayton Beach have secured six top-five finishes, including three victories.
Grayton Beach, a 15-year-old KWPN gelding (Negro x UB-40) standing over 18 hands, continues to prove highly competitive at the international Grand Prix level.
Behind them, Nora Batchelder and Nova finished second with 67.283%, while Ellesse Gundersen and Quintessential 4 placed third with 66.435%.
In the Prix St. Georges CDI1* class, Jessica Howington claimed victory with Finesse Langholt DWB, a nine-year-old Danish Warmblood mare (Finest x Don Schufro), scoring 67% and securing their fourth Small Tour win of the season.
The international dressage competition at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala continues throughout the weekend, with the highlight Grand Prix Freestyle CDI3* scheduled for Saturday evening.
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