Ocala, Fla. – Samantha Schaefer (USA) and James Bond HX, owned by Bonne Chance LLC, scored their first grand prix victory together in the $150,000 Lugano Diamonds Grand Prix CSI3* on Saturday evening, March 4, 2023, at World Equestrian Center – Ocala.

Samantha Schaefer and James Bond HX were last in the jump-off and took the win in the $150,000 Lugano Diamonds Grand Prix CSI3*. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography

Competing over a course set by Alan Wade (IRL), 31 equestrian athletes representing 10 nations were pared down to four in the jump-off. As the final pair to go, Schaefer and James Bond HX completed the shortened course in 39.37 seconds for victory by nearly two seconds, thanks to taking out two strides to the final jump from the original plan.

Bonne Chance LLC purchased James Bond HX in September, and Schaefer started competing the nine-year-old KWPN gelding - by Douglas and out of Trezebees, Schaefer’s top young rider jumper horse - in November.

Watch the winning jump-off round for Samantha Schaefer and James Bond HX!

“I never dreamed in a million years I would be using him in this class tonight,” she said. “This was the biggest track I have ever jumped on him, and I couldn’t be more proud. He has continued to surprise me in our short time together. At the beginning of circuit, I would have been happy to just compete him in the 1.40m Speed class.”

Nikko Ritter (USA) rode his own Aquiles Del Caribe Z to second place with a clear jump-off ride in 41.02 seconds, while Sean Jobin (CAN) and Coquelicot VH Heuvelland Z, owned by Foxride Farms Stables, were third in 41.83 seconds.

Melissa Brandes, Director of Equestrian at Lugano Diamonds, spoke about the exciting night, “We are so incredibly honored to be the sponsor tonight. It was an incredible competition. Congratulations to the top three riders; what a jump-off, what a class all around. We have been Founding Partners since day one and can’t wait to see what’s to come.”

“It has been a pleasure to welcome so many top riders to the venue for the first time and to host a week of exceptional show jumping competition,” said Vinnie Card, World Equestrian Center – Ocala’s Director of Operations. "We are already looking forward to our four weeks of FEI competition during the 2023 Ocala Summer Series.” 

Samantha Schaefer and James Bond HX in their winning presentation with Brett Waters and Vinnie Card of World Equestrian Center; Candace Eckart, Director of Revenue Management at Lugano Diamonds; the ownership group of Bonne Chance LLC; Melissa Brandes, Director of Equestrian at Lugano Diamonds; and Jim Wolf of World Equestrian Center. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography

Final Results: $150,000 Lugano Diamonds Grand Prix CSI3*
1. James Bond HX: 2014 KWPN gelding by Douglas x CashSamantha Schaefer (USA), Bonne Chance LLC: 0 | 0 | 39.37
2. Aquiles Del Caribe Z: 2014 Zangersheide gelding by Action-breaker x GerlinusNikko Ritter (USA), Nikko Ritter: 0 | 0 | 41.02
3. Coquelicot VH Heuvelland Z: 2012 Zangersheide gelding by Catoki x Cassini IISean Jobin (CAN), Foxridge Farms Stables: 0 | 0 | 41.83
4. Carlito’s Way 6: 2010 Holsteiner gelding by Casall x LordanosAlexa Pessoa (USA), Artemis Equestrian Farm, LLC: 0 | 4 | 40.55
5. Verdini O’Merveilles: 2009 Selle Francais gelding by Verdi TN x Quick StarTiffany Hammack (USA), Foxwood Farm: 1 | 79.12
6. Coco Beach: 2012 Holsteiner mare by Casall x San Patrignano CorradoRichie Moloney (IRL), Equinimity LLC: 3 | 81.05
7. Vick Du Croisy: 2009 Selle Francais mare by Lord Carthago x VondeenLuis Sabino Goncalves (POR), Sigma Stables LLC: 4 | 73.33
8. Amex Z: 2009 Zangersheide mare by Andiamo Z x LandarisTodd Minikus (USA), Bit By Bit Group: 4 | 73.53
9. Eastern Jam: 2009 KWPN Gelding by Lexicon x MonacoHunter Holloway (USA), Hays Investment Corp.: 4 | 74.40
10. Casey: 2010 Hanoverian mare by Cartani 4 x GrannusSantiago Lambre (BRA), Santiago Lambre: 4 | 74.50
11. Wellington Grey Goose: 2011 Warmblood mare by CorlenskyRowan Willis (AUS), Rowan Willis: 4 | 75.08
12. Freaky: 2010 KWPN Gelding by Darco x Litho XJacqueline Steffens Daly (CAN), Eye Candy Jumpers: 4 | 75.65