Lexington, KY – July 28, 2011 – It was a late night at the Kentucky Horse Park as riders gathered at the Rolex Stadium to compete in the $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic at the Kentucky Summer Horse Show. McLain Ward proved to be the best of the best, dominating the jump-off with the only two double clear efforts aboard Pjotter Van De Zonnehoeve and Vocas to place first and second, respectively. Ashlee Bond and Shane Sweetnam also tackled the short course, but with four faults each they placed third and fourth, respectively.

Tonight’s class was the third of seven grand prix events that make up the Hagyard Challenge Series, sponsored by Hagyard Medical Institute and presented by Pfizer Animal Health. Following the final event in the series, a cash prize of $45,000 will be awarded to the rider accumulating the most points throughout the series for the Leading Rider Bonus.

Twenty-seven riders competed over tonight’s first round designed by Richard Jeffery of Bournemouth, England, which featured an open water with a scored lath and pole, a oxer-vertical double combination, and an oxer-vertical-vertical triple combination. Only three riders were able complete the technical track without fault and advance to the jump-off. The short course began over a single oxer to two single verticals, a second oxer, the first two obstacles in the triple combination, and finished with a gallop over a large oxer near the gate.

“It was a good course,” noted eventual winner McLain Ward. “Obviously it is very hot, so I am sure that was a factor. It is a great venue with great footing and good lighting. I thought it was a difficult course, but very appropriate.”

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