OCALA, Fla.--Jonathan McCrea on Jannan S was clean and fast in the jump-off to win the $25,000 Cup at HITS on Thursday, Feb. 22.

Jonathan McCrea on Jannan S (Photo by ESI Photography)Bernardo Costa Cabral designed the course for the 24 starters that produced a five horse jump-off.

McCrea had three entries in the class, but it was only the 10-year-old KWPN stallion Kannan S that went clean in the first round for him.

“I thought Bernardo was very kind to us to be honest, but all of our horses are young,” McCrea said. “I thought the height was nice, and Bernardo really got the technical aspect spot on.”

As one of the only two clear rounds in the jump-off, McCrea won in a  time of 45.39 seconds, just over a second faster than Doug Payne on Chaccolate.

“This is his first grand prix of the year, but he’s jumped seven classes in 2024 so far and he hasn’t had a rail in any of those classes,” McCrea said, while knocking on a piece of wood for good luck. “I knew Derek Petersen was going to be very fast, but he had a couple of rails, so after I watched the other two go I felt pretty confident I could get them. I got lucky at the double, but you always need a little luck.”

 

THE McCREA'S call Wellington home, but following their most recent visit to HITS Post Time Farm, they plan to spend a significant amount of time at the circuit.

“I came here a few weeks ago and was incredibly impressed with the new improvements,” he said. “On top of the fact that the footing is crazy good, I can’t say enough good things about it. We will go home to rest for a week and then plan to come right back, but this time with more horses!”

Payne was clean in 46.47 to place second, while David Jennings on Daxibus Normandy was third, the fastest four faulter.

It was another win for Marylisa Leffler and ZaZa Z in the week’s opening jumper class, the $2,500 Open Welcome Stake on Wednesday.

McCrea was third in that class, also on Kannan S, while Devin Ryan on Topgear SR Z was second.