14 July '26
Scoop de Septon Z enjoys a fantastic weekend in Ocala
© Andrew Ryback Photography
As well as the various international competitions across Europe, there was another four-star event on American soil last weekend. The magnificent World Equestrian Centre in Ocala provided the backdrop for the fifth leg of the 2026 Summer Series. One of the standout performers was Scoop de Septon Z, who enjoyed a particularly successful weekend with two top placings.
The 12-year-old gelding Scoop de Septon Z (Hunters Scendro x Echo van ’t Spieveld – breeder: Elevage de Septon) has long been the undisputed star horse of Portuguese rider Luis Sabino Gonçalves, and that strong partnership was once again clearly demonstrated last weekend. The successful pair got off to an excellent start on Thursday, jumping to a resounding victory in the 1.50m Grand Prix Qualifier. In a jump-off for which fifteen pairs had qualified, they crossed the finish line in 39.73 seconds, making them the only pair to keep their time under 40 seconds.
On Saturday evening, the Grand Prix is traditionally the highlight in Ocala, and this time too it drew a large crowd of spectators. A total of nineteen pairs took part in this 1.55m Grand Prix, and five of them successfully completed the course designed by the Brazilian course designer Marina Azevedo. Sabino Gonçalves and Scoop de Septon Z were once again among the favourites. The pair were keen to secure a second victory, but in their haste, a bar slipped from the bits. They crossed the line in 43.84 seconds, which ultimately earned themthird place in the rankings.
Luis Sabino Gonçalves: “Scoop knows me very well and I know him very well. If I don’t disturb him, he can do his job. He’s very clever, careful and always wants to do his job.”
The Venezuelan Pablo Barrios was also among the group of riders in the jump-off, riding the 9-year-old stallion Don d’Alme C Z, a son of Don Diablo HX and PKZ Contact van de Heffinck, bred by Erik and Karin Cuypers. They too incurred four penalty points in the jump-off and, with a finishing time of 47.90 seconds, finished in4th place, just behind Sabino Gonçalves and Scoop de Septon Z.
In addition to his fine performances with Scoop de Septon Z, Luis Sabino Gonçalves also enjoyed a successful weekend with the 9-year-old mare Gallaxia De Ferval Z (George Z x Nabab de Rêve – breeder: Leslie Guillon). They competed three times over the weekend and managed to secure a top-10 placing on each occasion. After getting off to an excellent start on Wednesday with athird place in the 1.45mclass, they went on to secure a6th place in the 1.50m class on Thursday and an8th place in the 1.45m class on Friday.
Another standout combination was the Brazilian rider Celso Luis Camargo Ariani with the 13-year-old gelding Jip van T&L Z (James van de Kornelishoeve x Toulon – breeder: NV T&L). They made their mark on Thursday with afourth place in the 1.50m class, whilst they tookeighth place in the CSI4* Grand Prix. Unfortunately, a fault in the first round meant they were unable to qualify for the jump-off.
Two placings were also secured by the American Brian Cournane and the 10-year-old stallion Artic JT Z (Aktion Pur Z x Plot Blue) from the stud farm of Johan Thijs at Horsestud Thijs BVBA. After a finesecond place in the 1.40m class on Wednesday, they secured10th place in the CSI4* Grand Prix. They too knocked a bar down in the first round.
Third place in that 1.40m class on Wednesday went to New Zealander Sharn Wordley and the 12-year-old gelding Brin d’Or d’Haute Melen Z (Bamako de Muze x Baloubet du Rouet – breeder: Georges Trulemans). They have also put in some strong performances on several occasions in recent weeks, and with this result they have once again confirmed their excellent form.
Last but not least, the Argentine Juan Manuel Bolanos also made a name for himself with the 8-year-old stallion Arezzo Z (Air Jordan Alpha Z x Negro – breeder: Patrick Meuris). They achieved this with a 4th place in the 1.40m class on Wednesday and a 5th place in the 1.45m class on Thursday.