Jennifer Bliss & Poker Face Capture $12,500 Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club 3’6″-3’9″ Hunter Derby

The $12,500 WEC 3’6-3’9 Hunter Derby sponsored by Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club stole the spotlight at World Equestrian Center – Ocala Friday afternoon.

A field of seasoned hunter athletes vied for the win in the prestigious class over Doug Russell’s (USA) elegant tracks. Ultimately, it was Jennifer Bliss (USA) and her longtime mount Poker Face (Tangelo Van De Zuutheve x Nicolette V) who captured the win on the first hunter derby Friday of the 2023 Ocala Summer Series.

Bliss and Harris Hill Farm LLC’s experienced Dutch Warmblood gelding characteristically rose to the challenge, earning a first-round score of 89.

No strangers to the winner’s circle at WEC – Ocala, the duo held onto the lead throughout the entirety of the class and came back for the handy hunting the blue.
Smoothly making each inside turn and making incredible efforts over the high options, Poker Face left the judges awe-inspired with his form and pleasant expression.

Another 89 in the handy earned the winning pair an overall score of 178 to gallop away with the winning rosette on the bridle.

Lulu Rodriguez, Bliss’s daughter shared her perspective of the performance. “My mom was good! I told her to take one big jump! The first jump was bad. I didn’t want her to get a brown ribbon, but at least a purple one!”

$12,500 Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club WEC 3’6-3’9 Hunter Derby Results:

1 Poker Face, Jennifer Bliss, Harris Hill Farm LLC | 89 | 89 | 178
2 MTM Lolah LOL, Dorothy Douglas, Abigail Davenport | 87 | 90.5 | 177.5
3 Chacco Ricco, Erika Moore, Noble Steeds LLC | 85 | 84 | 169
4 High Renaissance, Elizabeth Blaisdell, Della Equestrian | 80 | 78 | 158
5 Hollywood, Erika Moore, Moore Acres LLC | 78 | 72 | 150
6 Cicero 117, Mickie Sage, Sigma Stables LLC | 79 | 68 | 147
7 Starfighter, Jordan Lubow, Stefano Baruzzo | 74 | 54.5 | 128.5
8 Isle Royale, Rebecca Brady, Deborah Wroblewski | 46 | 82 | 128
9 FRF Marquis, Jake Evans, Elizabeth Barnes | 47 | 65 | 112
10 Lord Don, Triston Smith, Triston Smith | 44 | 54 | 98

Jennifer Bliss & Poker Face. Photo courtesy of Andrew Ryback Photography.

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