LaPlaca and Nichols Shine on Opening Day of WEC Ocala April CDI4*

Ocala, FL – The April Dressage CDI4* at the World Equestrian Center (WEC) in Ocala, presented by Hampton Green Farms, got underway on Thursday, April 23, 2026, featuring three international class winners and high-quality performances across all levels.

Claiming top honors in the Grand Prix CDI4*, presented by The Fix, was American rider Jordan LaPlaca aboard Gold Play, jointly owned by LaPlaca and Nancy Hutson. The pair delivered a standout performance, earning a personal best score of 69.935% and further solidifying their consistency at the level, with eight top-five finishes from nine Grand Prix starts.

LaPlaca and Gold Play, an 11-year-old Oldenburg gelding by Grey Flanell x Sir Donnerhall II, have been partnered for six years. After debuting in the Small Tour in 2023, the combination stepped away from international competition for nearly two years to focus on developing fitness, strength, and overall harmony—a decision that is now clearly paying dividends.

“Our partnership is incredibly strong; he trusts me completely,” LaPlaca remarked, emphasizing the importance of time and a sustainable approach to training. “I’m not interested in being a one-hit wonder—I want this to be a long-term journey.”

The Ocala competition also marked LaPlaca’s first appearance at the WEC venue, which he selected as a preparatory outing ahead of next month’s USEF Grand Prix Dressage National Championships. The event will serve as a key observation trial for riders aiming for selection to the U.S. team for the FEI World Championships in Aachen this August.

Describing the venue as “a sight to behold,” LaPlaca added, “You simply can’t replicate this atmosphere—it’s truly exceptional.”

Finishing second was Kasey Perry-Glass with Heartbeat W.P. on 69.674%, while Ashley Holzer secured third place aboard Hawtins San Floriana with a score of 69.152%.

In the Grand Prix CDI3*, Erin Nichols topped the leaderboard riding Elian Royale. Meanwhile, the Prix St. Georges CDI1* was won by Katie Duerrhammer with Rosebank VH, owned by Kylee Lourie.

The competition continues with the Grand Prix Freestyle on Friday evening, a qualifying class for the US Open of Dressage, now in its second season, with the final scheduled for November in California.

Ph Jordan LaPlaca & Gold Play Grand Prix CDI4* Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography

© Rights Reserved.