Ten exhilarating weeks of competition for the 2025 HITS Ocala Winter Circuit launched on Wednesday, January 15, at the newly renovated HITS Post Time Farm in Ocala, Florida. Riders from around the globe returned to the iconic venue, settling into their home-away-from-home as they prepared to make their mark in the show ring once again. The excitement built throughout the week, culminating in the highly anticipated $80,000 HITS Grand Prix — the highlight event that drew top competitors and captivated spectators alike. After a thrilling jump-off, it was Jordan Coyle (IRL) and For Gold that emerged victorious.
Eighteen horse-and-rider combinations took on the challenging course designed by Peter Grant of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, but none could match the dominance of Coyle. With seven entries in the starting field, Coyle had a packed schedule, yet he made it count. Riding For Gold, Falkirk Farm LLC’s 14-year-old Holsteiner gelding (For Fashion x Heralidk), Coyle blazed through the jump-off, setting an unbeatable time of 40.880 seconds.
“He’s actually not a fast horse, but he felt fast today,” laughed Coyle. “He’s done everything for me. By far, he’s the most genuine horse I’ve ever met, let alone had the privilege of riding.”
Based out of Wellington, Florida, Coyle returned to competition at HITS Ocala after a brief hiatus.
“My horses haven’t shown since November. I turn them out, pull their shoes, and just let them enjoy a break,” he explained.
Despite the time off, Coyle showed no signs of rust, securing both first and second place and finishing nearly seven seconds ahead of the third-place finisher.
“I’m very grateful to my team for keeping everything running smoothly and to the HITS show management for never rushing me. The track asked all the right questions, and the prize money was right. We’ll be back next week too!”
With the win already in hand, Coyle piloted Keep Me With You N.C., Falkirk Farm LLC’s 10-year-old KWPN mare (Le Tot de Semilly x Indroctro), to a smooth and clear round in 44.879 seconds, claiming second place. Rounding out the podium was Dorothy Douglas aboard MTM Pablo, MTM Farm’s 12-year-old gelding (Perigueux x Contendro I), delivering a strong performance with a time of 47.813 seconds.
Earlier in the week, the jumper excitement began on Wednesday, January 15, with the $2,500 Adequan Open Welcome, where Linda Radigan and her seasoned partner, Balvenuer Z, a 17-year-old Zangersheide gelding by Balougran Z out of Baloubet du Rouet, delivered a standout performance to secure the victory.
The $25,000 Alliant Private Cup on Thursday, January 16, saw an impressive victory by Haley Waters Wear aboard Over Lux, a 13-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Lux Z x Lord Calando) owned by Chuck Waters. From the seven fault-free first rounds over the course designed by Peter Grant, Waters Wear delivered a standout double-clear performance, completing the jump-off in 43.649 seconds to claim the top honors. Hot on their heels, Tracy Fenney piloted MTM Farm’s 15-year-old KWPN gelding (Heartbreaker x Nimmerdor), MTM Farno d’OR, to a strong second-place finish in 43.867 seconds. Completing the podium in 45.840 seconds was Canadian rider Bretton Chad riding Grandeur WP, a 14-year-old KWPN gelding (Whistler x Holland) owned by Stone Ridge Farms LLC.
In the thrilling $15,000 STX Open Speed, Coyle and his longtime partner, Ariso, Elan Farm’s 14-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding (Casall x Contender), dominated a competitive field of 29 entries to secure an impressive victory.
Closing out the week on Sunday, January 19, the MTM Farm team dominated in the $24,500 Horseflight Jumper Classic. Dorothy Douglas and MTM Caepten, a 13-year-old gelding (Cayton x Colman) owned by Nina Koloseike, claimed victory with a swift time of 38.288 seconds, topping a competitive field of 29 entries. Joining her in the spotlight, barnmate Tracy Fenney secured second place aboard Can Talk To Me TD MTM, MTM Farm’s nine-year-old Holsteiner mare (Catoki x Cambridge), stopping the clock at 38.580 seconds. Fenney also claimed third place with My Life Be Like, an eight-year-old KWPN mare (VDL Zirocco Blue x Mr. Blue) owned by New England Equestrian LLC, finishing in 39.042 seconds.
As competition at HITS Ocala concludes for the week, anticipation builds for the next round of action, resuming on Wednesday, January 22, with the Ocala January Festival.
