Ocala, Fla.—Feb. 16

Daniel Kerins is no stranger to the Ocala Horse Properties Stadium at the HITS Post Time Farm. Back in 2015 he came to the horse show to watch his father, Darragh Kerins, represent Ireland during Nations Cup week.

Darragh, an Irish grand prix rider who relocated to the United States in 1997 and is based in Wellington, Florida, has represented Ireland in two European Championships and the 2009 FEI World Cup Final (Nevada) as well as in many Nations Cup competitions. Now, Daniel has his own opportunity to represent Ireland in international competition, as he’s jumping on the Irish team in the FEI children’s team competition in Ocala.

He’s off to a great start, and aboard Elwood he’s topped the two individual classes, the Children’s Welcome Classic on Thursday and the $1,000 City Of Ocala Children’s Grand Prix.

The big gelding looks deceptively slow, and while Daniel had to put his leg on to keep the horse moving forward in the jump-off, they handily took the win in the $1,000 City Of Ocala Children’s Grand Prix with nearly a 2-second lead over Rhys Williams and Malbay Dreamer.

“I just went as fast as I could,” said Daniel, 13. “[I had to kick him on]  a little bit, trying to get the time. Sometimes he stays back a little bit, so I have to kick him on a little bit.”

Daniel Kerins rode Elwood to a blazing jump-off time of 32.56 seconds to win the $1,000 City Of Ocala Children’s Grand Prix. Photo by Kimberly Loushin.

Elwood (Escudo I—Camille, Come On) is a new ride for Daniel. Brian Cournane, who owns the 11-year-old Oldenburg, previously competed the gelding in grand prix classes. Daniel took the gelding for a spin a few times at the Winter Equestrian Festival (Florida), before bring him to Ocala.

Daniel and Elwood are set to compete in the children’s team competition for Ireland, and Daniel says his strategy is simple.

“Same as today, go fast as I can and try and win.”

Daniel Kerins and Elwood were the last in the ring for the $1,000 City Of Ocala Children’s Grand Prix and took home the win. Photo by Kimberly Loushin.

When you are the big winner, expect lots and lots of pictures. Daniel Kerins poses with Elwood after winning the $1,000 City Of Ocala Children’s Grand Prix. Photo by Kimberly Loushin.

Ireland also slotted into second when Rhys Williams turned in a double clear performance with Malbay Dreamer in the $1,000 City Of Ocala Children’s Grand Prix. Photo by Kimberly Loushin.

Natalie Pedley and True Blue Mate took home third in the $1,000 City Of Ocala Children’s Grand Prix for Puerto Rico. Photo by Kimberly Loushin.

Ansgar Holtgers Jr and Hookjipa XXX dropped a rail in the jump-off to finish fourth in the $1,000 City Of Ocala Children’s Grand Prix. Photo by Kimberly Loushin.

A single time penalty kept fifth-placed Stand by Me And Francis Derwin out of the jump-off in the $1,000 City Of Ocala Children’s Grand Prix. Photo by Kimberly Loushin.

Jack Geaney and Cheval d’Espoir Z were just a hair slow to finish on a score of 1 in sixth place. Photo by Kimberly Loushin.

Genevieve Munson and Cassonetti finished seventh. Photo by Kimberly Loushin.

Want more HITS Ocala? Read all of our coverage here. Results from the children’s grand prix are here, and you can find full results from the FEI classes here.