Twenty-two-year-old American rider Mimi Gochman won the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup in Ocala, securing her first five-star victory aboard Iron Maiden. The duo delivered the only double-clear round in the jump-off, finishing in 41.79 seconds to qualify for the finals in Fort Worth. Australian Hilary Scott and Oaks Milky Way placed fourth with the fastest jump-off time despite two rails.
The Longines FEI Jumping World Cup qualifier, a CSI5*-W international jumping competition at 1.60m with jump-off, took place on February 14, 2026, at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida. Designed by Bernardo Costa Cabral of Portugal, the delicate course challenged a field of 38 riders from 11 countries, including 14 Olympians, with only four advancing to the jump-off.
Mimi Gochman and her 11-year-old Zangersheide gelding Iron Maiden produced the sole double-clear effort, clocking 41.79 seconds. This marked Gochman's first win at the highest level and her debut senior championship qualification for the April finals in Fort Worth, Texas. "I sat down in the beginning of last year in January and said that I really wanted to go to World Cup Finals this year," Gochman said. "I have two fantastic horses that are ready to go, and I want to test myself in a championship format."
Eduardo Pereira de Menezes of Brazil took second on H5 Ozzy vd Bisschop with four faults in 42.65 seconds. The 12-year-old Belgian Warmblood stallion, owned by H5 Sport Horses, showed promise despite limited jump-off experience. "He was jumping up to 1.30m, 1.40m, not so long ago, so I’m delighted that he gave that effort," de Menezes remarked. "I’m happy to be second."
Defending champion Cian O’Connor of Ireland finished third on Kentucky TN, also with four faults in 43.36 seconds. The 11-year-old KWPN stallion had joined O’Connor's stable eight months prior. "This is the first five-star we have done, so I couldn’t be happier with him," O’Connor said.
Hilary Scott of Australia and the 18-year-old Australian-bred mare Oaks Milky Way earned fourth place with the fastest jump-off time of 41.52 seconds but incurred eight faults from two rails. The homebred mare, by Clearway out of Jalisco B, has competed for Australia at the Paris Olympics and the 2022 FEI World Championships in Herning. Fellow Australian Jamie Winning-Kermond placed 25th on Tulara Wat Colblensky with two rails and a time penalty.
Gochman's victory propelled her to second in the East Coast league standings, joining other qualifiers like Kent Farrington and McLain Ward.
