René Dittmer Claims Winning Round Victory in Ocala, Leading German Dominance
Ocala, FL (USA), March 20, 2026 – Germany continued its winning streak at the Longines League of Nations™ Ocala as René Dittmer secured victory in the $120,000 Florida Coast Equipment Winning Round CSIO5*-LLN at the World Equestrian Center – Ocala, confirming the nation’s outstanding form.
Following André Thieme’s win in Thursday’s $350,000 J.P. Morgan Grand Prix, Friday’s feature class once again saw the German flag rise to the top. Riding the 11-year-old Holsteiner gelding Cody 139 (Casall x Quidam de Revel), Dittmer stopped the clock in a lightning-fast 37.53 seconds in the winning round, showcasing both speed and precision over a course designed by Ireland’s Alan Wade.
The class format saw the top 10 riders from the first round return for a decisive second round. Despite an impressive 17 clear rounds in total, it was time that ultimately determined the winner, turning the competition into a true race against the clock.
France’s Marie Demonte set an early benchmark, delivering a clear round in 38.89 seconds aboard Epona du Quesnoy, securing third place. However, her lead was short-lived as Dittmer, one of the first to return, immediately set a faster time, putting pressure on the remaining contenders.
Last to go, American rider Hunter Holloway made a strong bid for victory in front of her home crowd. Riding her long-time partner Pepita Con Spita, she produced a clear round in 38.27 seconds, finishing in second place.
“There were some really fast ones behind me, so I definitely had to do the best I could,” said Dittmer. “My horse is naturally very quick. He’s still a bit green, and sometimes I have one stride too many in the turns, but he’s incredibly fast both over the jumps and in his canter.”
Dittmer has been riding Cody 139 since late 2024, carefully developing the partnership to the international level. Based near Hamburg and spending winters in Wellington, FL, he has become a regular presence on the North American circuit.
Reflecting on his selection for the German team at the Longines League of Nations™, Dittmer added: “It means a lot to me. After winning the Nations Cup in Hickstead last year, this is an even bigger opportunity. I’m really proud that Chef d’Equipe Otto Becker selected me. We’re very excited for the team competition and hope to keep the momentum going.”
He also praised the venue, stating: “It’s an unbelievable place—there’s nothing like it in the world,” referring to the World Equestrian Center – Ocala.
With two major victories already secured, Germany now heads into Saturday night’s $770,000 team competition as the favorite. However, the United States—defending champions—will be eager to protect their title on home soil, represented by Natalie Dean, Lillie Keenan, Laura Kraut, and Aaron Vale.
Ocala marks the second of five stops in the prestigious Longines League of Nations™ 2026 series and is the only North American leg, ahead of Rotterdam and St. Tropez, before the final in Barcelona this October.
Photo Credits: © Andrew Ryback Photography
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