René Dittmer Secures Winning Round Victory as German Dominance Continues in Ocala

What Happened

German rider René Dittmer continued a week of German dominance at the World Equestrian Center, Ocala, securing victory in the $120,000 Florida Coast Equipment Winning Round CSIO5*-LLN. Dittmer, riding Cody 139, an 11-year-old Holsteiner gelding, navigated the Alan Wade-designed course in 37.53 seconds during the decisive second round.

The competition format allowed the top 10 combinations from the initial round to return for a "winning round," where time was the tie-breaker. While 17 horse-and-rider pairs jumped clear in the first round, only the fastest could contend for the podium. American rider Hunter Holloway finished second with a time of 38.27 seconds aboard Pepita Con Spita, followed by France’s Marie Demonte and Epona du Quesnoy in third.

Why It Matters

This victory reinforces Germany’s current performance in the 2026 Longines League of Nations™ Ocala leg, following André Thieme’s win in the $350,000 J.P. Morgan Grand Prix a day prior. For high-performance riders and fans, this indicates the German team is in peak form heading into major season championships.

Dittmer’s win highlights the "North American winter" strategy adopted by many European riders. By spending winters in Wellington, Florida, Dittmer has successfully integrated into the U.S. circuit, demonstrating that consistent presence at venues like Ocala and Wellington is a viable path to top-tier international selection.

Furthermore, the performance of Cody 139 (by Casall) proves the value of patient development. Dittmer noted that while the gelding is naturally quick, he is still "a bit green," yet the partnership was strong enough to beat world-class veterans in a high-pressure CSIO5* environment.

Competition Context

The Florida Coast Equipment Winning Round served as a critical precursor to the $770,000 Longines League of Nations™ team competition. Ocala represents the only North American stop in this prestigious five-part series, which moves next to Rotterdam and St. Tropez before concluding with the final in Barcelona this October.

Quick Facts:

• Winner: René Dittmer (GER) and Cody 139
• Venue: World Equestrian Center, Ocala (Florida, USA)
• Class: $120,000 Florida Coast Equipment Winning Round CSIO5*-LLN
• Course Designer: Alan Wade (IRL)
• Format: Top 10 riders return for a second round against the clock

Competitors heading into the season can find show tack and riding equipment ahead of entries.