Tag Archives: McLain Ward

McLain Ward Wins the Tourmaline Oil Cup

(Photo: Rolex Grand Slam / Ashley Neuhof)

On a breezy and autumnal Calgarian afternoon, 28 horse and rider combinations representing 12 nations contested Friday’s feature class at the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’, the 1.55m Tourmaline Oil Cup. Legendary course designer Leopoldo Palacios set the pairings – which included three out of the world’s current top 10-ranked riders – 12 testing obstacles, with the Venezuelan and his team of assistants making full use of the vast and iconic International Ring.

American McLain Ward set the early pace with his 15-year-old bay mare, HH Azur, going clear in a time of 72.51s, within the 75-second time limit. Compatriot Kent Farrington and his 14-year-old gelding, Creedance, looked to be on imperious form, breezing around the course fault-free. In a show of American domination, winner of 2019’s CP ‘International’, presented by Rolex, Beezie Madden and her 15-year-old La Silla-bred Stallion, Breitling LS, also made light work of the 15-fence course. Much to the delight of the crowd, home favourites Tiffany Foster and Erynn Ballard progressed to the shoot-out, both aboard their talented 10-year-olds, Hamilton and Gakhir, respectively. In-form Nayel Nassar from Egypt and his veteran 19-year-old gelding, Coronado, was joined in the jump-off by Brazil’s Eduardo Menezes and his stallion H5 Chagauns and Australia’s Rowan Willis partnered by his grey stallion Ashton Dakota.

First to go in the jump-off was recent Olympic Team silver medallist, McLain Ward, who set a blistering time of 37.38s, which looked hard to beat, after the next seven riders – Rowan Willis, Kent Farrington, Eduardo Menezes, Erynn Ballard, Beezie Madden, and Tiffany Foster – all failed to navigate the eight-fence jump-off without penalties. Last to go, it was apparent that Nayel Nassar was playing it safe, with his sights set on second spot, eventually crossing the line without a fault and finishing runner-up behind deserved winner, Ward.

On his victory and his mare HH Azur’s stunning performance, the two-time Olympic Team gold medallist commented: “I don’t know if I particularly did it better than any of the other riders; she just jumped it better! I actually wasn’t upset by my position in the jump-off. I was just going to ride my plan. I know what her strengths and weaknesses are at this point, and I thought if I put a little bit of pressure on, there might be some mistakes and that played out.

“HH Azur is going to jump the Nations Cup tomorrow for our team, and then Casper, a stallion I’ve been kind of bringing along, who’s a phenomenal jumper and has had a strong summer in Europe, is the horse I’m aiming towards the big Grand Prix on Sunday.”

Read more here.

© 2021 Rolex – Rolex Grand Slam

Ward Keeps Winning, Piloting Catoki to the Top of $37k Bainbridge Companies 1.45m Classic CSI5*

McLain Ward piloting Catoki to victory. ©Sportfot.

Wellington, FL – March 12, 2021 – McLain Ward (USA) and Catoki, owned by Marilla van Beuren, Bob Russell, and McLain Ward, flew to their second victory of the week in the $37,000 Bainbridge Companies 1.45m Classic CSI5* on Friday, March 12, in the International Arena at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) as competition continues as part of WEF 9, sponsored by Fidelity Investments®.

Topping a field of 53 in the starting order over a speed track set by Alan Wade (IRL), Ward and Catoki, a 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding by Catoki x Cartello B, left all the jumps up to fly across the finish line in 52.33 seconds, nearly three seconds faster than the runner-up.

“He’s been incredible here this year,” said Ward of his winning mount. “He felt great on Wednesday, so I knew he was in good form for today. He’s starting to know when the bell goes [what to do] a little bit in this ring, so it was a little bit out of control I thought. I was a little bit faster than I meant to be, but he’s such a careful horse, I got away with it.”

Vivian Golden and D’Artagnan Stay on Top to Win the $5,000 USHJA Pony Derby

Pony hunter riders had their chance to show off on the Derby Field at Equestrian Village on Friday in the $5,000 USHJA Pony Derby. After a classic round and handy round, Vivian Golden and Emma Dyson’s D’Artagnan finished at the top of the class with scores of 89 and 88 for a total high score of 177.

Fifty-seven riders competed over the first round track consisting of 10 fences designed by Tom Carlson. The class was set at three separate heights for 13 larges, 27 mediums, and 17 smalls. Once the classic round was complete, the top 12 combinations were called back to navigate the handy round.

Third in the order, Golden, of Reading, PA, and D’Artagnan took the lead with a score of 89 and held their top spot for the remainder of the classic round. This class was only Golden’s second time showing D’Artagnan.

For more information and results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.

McLain Ward and Catoki Conquer $37k Douglas Elliman Real Estate 1.45m CSI5* at WEF 9

McLain Ward (USA) and Catoki © Sportfot.

Wellington, FL – March 10, 2021 – On the opening day of week nine at the 2021 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), McLain Ward (USA) and Catoki, owned by Marilla van Beuren, Bob Russell, and McLain Ward, galloped to the top spot in the $37,000 Douglas Elliman Real Estate 1.45m CSI5* on Wednesday, March 10, in the International Arena at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC).

Wednesday afternoon’s feature class had 56 combinations contest the 1.45m two-phase format designed by Alan Wade (IRL) which featured obstacles numbered one through 13. A total of 32 competitors produced double clear efforts, but as the 18th to go in the starting order, Ward did it quickest aboard the 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding by Catoki x Cartello B, holding the lead to the end of the class to take the victory in 25.51 seconds.

“Alan Wade is my favorite course designer in the world so it’s always good to see him again,” said Ward. “The power and speed always sets up nicely for Catoki because he’s so quick. He’s got such good ground speed, which doesn’t allow for the bigger-strided horses to catch us over a longer course so it was a good track for us.”

For more information and results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.

McLain Ward and Blossom Z Fly for the Win in $50k CaptiveOne Advisors 1.50m National Grand Prix

McLain Ward (USA) and Blossom Z © Sportfot.

Wellington, FL – March 6, 2021 – McLain Ward and Blossom Z, owned by Wyndmont, Susan Heller, and McLain Ward, flew to the top of the podium for a victory in the $50,000 CaptiveOne Advisors 1.50m National Grand Prix on Saturday, March 6, in the International Arena at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC).

A total of 25 combinations challenged the 1.50m track set by Steve Stephens (USA) and Nick Granat (USA) on Saturday afternoon. The first round consisted of 16 jumping efforts with a total of nine qualifying to return for the shortened second round.

First to go of the nine returning combinations, Ben Maher (GBR) and Kalinka De Kalvarie, owned by Poden Farms, set the pace for the remainder of the competition with a clear effort in 36.200 seconds.

Fifth in the returning order, McLain Ward rose to the occasion, topping the time set by Maher, with Blossom Z, an 11-year-old Zangersheide mare by Balou Du Rouet x Cleopatra Z, with a clear effort in 33.022 seconds.

Abdel Said and Arpege du Ru Speed to 1.45m Victory

Victory in the $37,000 Douglas Elliman Real Estate 1.45m Classic CSIO4* went to Abdel Said (EGY) and his own Arpege du Ru.

There were 29 entries and 12 clear rounds in the morning class, and they were all going for speed over a course designed by Steve Stephens (USA) and Nick Granat (USA). The early leader was Daniel Deusser (GER) and Stephex Stables’ Calisto Blue, who set a time of 60.66 seconds that would hold up for third place. Near the end of the class, Andrew Bourns (IRL) and Darquito broke the 60-second barrier to finish in second place on 59.69 seconds.

However, it was Said and Arpege du Ru who couldn’t be beat, finishing the course in a speedy 57.98 seconds for the win.

Said has ridden Arpege du Ru for three years, having received a phone call from his Global Champions League teammate Marlon Zanotelli about a horse he had for sale that he thought would make a good junior jumper.

For more information and results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.

Winning Wednesday for Ward in the $37,000 Douglas Elliman Real Estate 1.45m CSI5*

McLain Ward (USA) and Catoki © Sportfot.

Wellington, FL – February 24, 2021 – On the opening day of week seven at the 2021 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), McLain Ward (USA) and Catoki, owned by Marilla van Beuren, Bob Russell, and McLain Ward, took home the title in the $37,000 Douglas Elliman Real Estate 1.45m CSI5* held in the International Arena on Wednesday, February 24, at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC).

Wednesday’s two-phase competition featured the work of course designers Anthony D’Ambrosio (USA) and Andy Christiansen (ECU), with 49 combinations contesting. Ward and the 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding by Catoki x Cartello B, raced to the finish line, leaving all the jumps up in a time of 28.86 seconds.

“He’s a very fast horse,” said Ward. “He doesn’t actually have the biggest stride but his legs are moving very quick so that allows you to just do your round. You don’t have to do anything extreme; he’s just such a fast type. You’re not really pushing the envelope a lot, and that’s why he’s so consistently at the top of these classes.”

For more information and results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.

Ward and Contagious Capture $37,000 CaptiveOne Advisors 1.50m Classic CSI3*

McLain Ward and Contagious. © Sportfot.

January 23, 2021 – Wellington, FL – It was an action-packed afternoon on the Derby Field at Equestrian Village at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, with McLain Ward (USA) and Contagious climbing to the top of the leaderboard in the $37,000 CaptiveOne Advisors 1.50m Classic CSI3* on Saturday, January 23.

Ashley Vogel and Sophia Studd Dominate the First Day of Hermès U25 Series

In the $10,000 Hermès U25 Welcome, Ashley Vogel (USA) and Bellissimo Z flew through the timers in 67.49 seconds, besting a competitive class of 54 entries. Second place was awarded to the USA’s Tanner Korotkin on Deauville S, a 2006 Holsteiner gelding (Diamant de Semilly x Touch of Class) owned by Castlewood Farm Inc., who completed the track in 68.87 seconds. Third place went to Charlise Casas (USA) and Always Faithful Equine LLC’s 2008 Holsteiner gelding Diamond M (Numero Uno x Zarina M), ending on 70.21 seconds.

In the $1,000 Hermès U25 1.40m, Sophia Studd (DEN) and the 2009 Danish Warmblood mare Holsteins Matina (Party Dance x Mont Clarissa) owned by Marie Botved Studd captured the win, crossing through the timers in 67.70 seconds. Hunter Champey (USA) and Caprice, a 2007 KWPN mare (Kashmir Van Schuttershof x Jalisca Houtheem Z) owned by MDHT Equestrian, LLC, took second place in 78.65 seconds. Third place went to Eric Krawitt (CAN) piloting Godfather B Bellesbat (Numero Uno x Ustasia), a 2011 KWPN mare owned by AES Equestrian.

Becky Gochman Rides Mythical to the Championship in Amateur-Owner Hunters 3’3” 36 and Over

Hunter riders entered the E. R. Mische Grand Hunter Ring on Saturday to compete for the tricolor ribbon in the Amateur-Owner Hunter 3’3” 36 and Over division. After two days of competition, Becky Gochman and Gochman Sport Horses LLC’s Mythical received first, second, and fifth place ribbons to earn the championship title.

Gochman, of Wellington, FL, and Mythical have been partnered for several years and are no strangers to the winner’s circle. Mythical is considered an important member of the Gochman family, having also been ridden by both Mimi and Sophie Gochman.

For more information and results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.

McLain Ward and Catoki Soar to Victory in the $75,000 Bainbridge Companies Grand Prix

McLain Ward (USA) and Catoki © Sportfot.

January 10, 2021 – Wellington, FL – McLain Ward (USA) capped off the first week of competition with top honors on Sunday, January 10, in the $75,000 Bainbridge Companies Grand Prix at the 2021 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). Ward and Catoki topped four speedy entries with the only double clear effort of the day to claim the title.

Chris Brown Rides Rebel to the Tricolor Ribbon in the Adult Amateur Hunter Older Section B

On the final day of competition for the WEF Premiere Week, the Marshall & Sterling Adult Amateur Hunter Older Section B wrapped up in the E. R. Mische Grand Hunter Ring. Chris Brown piloted his own Rebel to the championship with two firsts, two seconds, and a sixth-place ribbon.

Brown, of Boynton Beach, FL, purchased Rebel last year and has been developing his relationship with the gelding since. The pair trains with Kimberly Stewart and GlenWillow Farm.

“He’s got his own personality. He is a spoiled brat and wants attention all the time,” said Brown of the eight-year-old Canadian Warmblood by Bon Balou. “That’s what makes him a great show horse because he is a little bit of a fighter and he wants to always do well.”

For more information and results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.

McLain Ward and Catoki Race to Victory in $37,000 Vobev Holiday II Opener CSI4*

McLain Ward and Catoki ©Anne Gittins Photography.

Wellington, FL – December 10, 2020 – The ESP Holiday II CSI4* hosted its first FEI classes of the week on Thursday, December 10, at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC). Serving as the featured event of the day, the $37,000 Vobev Holiday II Opener CSI4* attracted 69 horse-and-rider combinations to the International Arena to vie for the top prize and FEI ranking points. Always a speedy pair, McLain Ward (USA) and Catoki (Catoki x Cartello B), the horse he co-owns with Bob Russell and Marilla Van Beuren, galloped to first place to commence the week on a high note.

“He is so fast, so it’s kind of his job to try to win these classes and to pay for the others to show,” commented Ward of the 2009 Westphalian gelding. “Kent had a great round on a very fast horse, and I was a little concerned the course didn’t actually suit Catoki because they were doing a leave-out in one line in the speed phase, and I really didn’t think I could do that. But he’s a quick enough horse even without that, and he really jumped great.”

Run under a modified power and speed format, the class featured a pattern by course designer Héctor Loyola (PUR) and challenged exhibitors to jump clear over the first nine fences and then immediately continue on to the final six obstacles, regardless of whether or not faults had been incurred in the initial phase. The time for the latter portion of the course served to rank competitors.

The pack included representatives from 11 countries, including the United States, Ireland, Great Britain, Israel, Mexico, Egypt, Canada, Chile, Brazil, Russia, and Switzerland. Third to go, Santiago Lambre (MEX) and Cetano Van Aspergem Z (Clinton x Ahorn Z) set the pace with a quick, clear round in 30.38 seconds, which held until the 30th duo entered the ring. Always formidable, Kent Farrington (USA) and Austria 2 (Casall x Corrado I) upped the ante with an expedient, fault-free ride in 29.73 seconds to capture the lead with nearly 40 duos still remaining.

“He’s fast. Honestly, I didn’t watch Kent because this horse really goes with his own game plan, and he’s super fast,” remarked Ward of how he thinks he won the class. “Sometimes when you try to do what others do, you end up making a mistake. I try to do the best round I can do with him, and I knew it was as fast as I could try to go within what his strengths were.”

As the fourth-to-last out of the starting order, Ward capitalized on Catoki’s quick footspeed and a bold inside turn option to just barely edge ahead of the frontrunners, crossing the finish line in 29.67 seconds to jump to the top of the leaderboard by mere milliseconds. The final challengers could not catch the leading combination, solidifying Ward and Catoki as the victors in the $37,000 Vobev Holiday II Opener CSI4*. Farrington and Austria 2, owned by Take the High Road LLC, retained second place, and Darragh Kenny (IRL) earned the final podium placing riding Oakland Ventures LLC’s Belo Horizonte with a fault-free time of 29.99 seconds. In total, 31 partnerships finished the class without any faults to their name.

“I think great efforts are being made for this to go on,” noted Ward of competing under a COVID protocol. “We’re all welcoming a vaccine and some normalcy, and being able to be outside and compete with, obviously, the right precautions is great. It feels as close to our normal life as we can get right now.”

The morning kicked off in the International Arena with 36 exhibitors in the $1,000 Bainbridge 1.40m CSI4*, which also ran as a power and speed class, though only those competitors who jumped the first half of the course without any faults continued for the second timed portion. A total of 11 duos finished the first half of the track fault-free to advance to the speed phase, which produced a final number of just five pairs without a single fault. The time-allowed proved to be a factor as 11 partnerships earned a single time fault during the power phase of the class to keep them out of contention.

As one of the final exhibitors, Flo Norris (GBR) took over the top spot from Laura Kraut (USA), who had held the lead since halfway through the class, riding Cisca Norris’ Gin Chin Van Het Lindenhof (Chin Chin x Calido I). Norris’ clear time of 32.84 seconds kept her at the top of the standings with the 2006 Belgian Warmblood gelding, followed by Kraut on Cherry Knoll Farm Inc.’s Haley with no faults in 33.45 seconds. Daniel Bluman (ISR) rounded out the top three with the ride on Gerardo Pasquel’s Alamo after tripping the timers clear in 39.97 seconds.

For more information and results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.

McLain Ward and Noche De Ronda Claim $73,000 Holiday & Horses 1.50m Qualifier CSI4*

McLain Ward and Noche De Ronda ©Anne Gittins Photography.

Wellington, FL – November 27, 2020 – The ESP Holiday & Horses CSI4* returned to the main stage at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) on Friday, November 27, with the $73,000 Holiday & Horses 1.50m Qualifier CSI4*, presented by Premier Equestrian. Claiming a familiar place at the top of the leaderboard, Olympic team gold medalist McLain Ward (USA) piloted Noche De Ronda, the horse he co-owns with Marilla Van Beuren and Bob Russell, to the fastest double-clear time of the contest.

Friday’s field included 73 horse-and-rider pairs representing 13 countries, including the United States, Ireland, Switzerland, Great Britain, Israel, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Canada, Egypt, Chile, Japan, and Russia. Course designer Anthony D’Ambrosio (USA) created a 16-effort track for competitors that produced 16 clear rounds from the starting order.

“The jump-off was fast, and it sometimes comes off the way you want,” reflected Ward of his jump-off ride. “I think after the double combination [we made up time]. Bliss’ horse is an incredible jumper and a very fast horse, but doesn’t have the stride that Ronda has, and I was able to do one stride less, maybe two less, across the diagonal after the double combination and for sure one less stride coming home. I think probably those two places most of all helped us. It was one of those jump-offs where the plan just worked.”

Trimmed down to eight fences, the jump-off pattern led to eight teams finishing on a second fault-free ride. Halfway through the class, Daniel Bluman (ISR) held the lead aboard Colestina H, owned by Blue Star Investments and Kim Douglas, with a foot-perfect time of 36.16 seconds. Bliss Heers (USA) inched faster riding Bridgeside Farms LLC’s Antidote De Mars in 35.10 seconds, but the fifth-to-last partnership, Ward and Noche De Ronda, sliced even more time off the clock. The quick pair broke the beam with no faults in 34.26 seconds, a time that proved unbeatable for the remaining contenders. Heers and Antidote De Mars maintained the runner-up spot, followed by Ben Maher (GBR) on Deborah Perkins’ Day Dream in 35.53 seconds.

“Ronda has jumped well this year since Florida in the spring but has had a little bit of an unlucky four-fault streak in a few big grand prix classes though she has been performing well. She has always been great in this ring, and she was really in great form today,” Ward noted of his partner for the class, a 2009 Oldenburg mare by Quintender x Loves Corinth.

Ward and Noche De Ronda’s victory Friday added to their list of successes in Wellington after two grand prix victories in the span of a week in February 2020. The pair topped the $401,000 Fidelity Investments Grand Prix CSI5* during Week Five of the 2020 Winter Equestrian Festival, then six days later earned the victory in the $213,300 Grand Prix CSIO5* during one of two Nations Cup weeks in Wellington.

“She’s going to jump this week and then in two weeks again. We will start back up a little later in the season this spring for some of the bigger classes,” Ward commented on his plans for Noche De Ronda through the remainder of the ESP Holiday Series and the upcoming 2021 Winter Equestrian Festival.

The International Arena’s classes concluded Friday with the $10,000 Bainbridge 1.40m Open Stake, which saw 53 entries in the first round of riding and 13 in the jump-off. As the fifth to go over the short course, Laura Kraut (USA) turned in a quick time of 34.76 seconds on Cherry Knoll Farm Inc’s Haley to take the lead, and their time would be unbeatable. McKayla Langmeier (USA) claimed the second spot riding Linda Langmeier’s Cadence De L’Escaut in a clear time of 34.98 seconds, while Erynn Ballard (CAN) captured third spot with Katherine Benard’s Delirius Del Sol in 35.06 seconds.

Geoffrey Hesslink and Small Occasion Are Big Winners in $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby

Hunter riders took to the ring Friday during the ESP Holiday & Horses CSI4*, which is the first show out of six that make up the ESP Holiday Series. The highlight hunter class of the week, the $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, presented by Bainbridge, featured 31 entries over courses designed by Jasen Shelley. With two scores nearing the 100-point mark, Geoffrey Hesslink of Shelbourne, VT and Small Occasion, owned by Shadowfax Equestrian LLC, claimed the victory ahead of a high-scoring field.

“She is a famous horse and has won all over the country at the main events,” Hesslink remarked on Small Occasion. “It just so happened that we were lucky enough to fall into place with her this summer for one of my clients, Raina Swani, as her first junior hunter. She is just so much fun. She is a blast and a winner and always puts in 110 percent.”

Following the first round of the class, the cut-off score for the top 12 sat at a lofty 86 points thanks to a series of top performances from exhibitors. Hesslink and Small Occasion, an 11-year-old Holsteiner mare, led the way with 96 points, earned from a classic score of 92 plus four bonus points for taking the high option fences. Kristy Herrera of Wellington, FL rode Kate Ellis’ Valhalla to second position with 93 points, and last week’s National Derby winner Jimmy Torano of Wellington, FL and Isalou Inc.’s Laskano were not far behind with a score of 92. All told, 10 points separated first position from twelfth place, keeping standings tight headed into the handy round.

“We continued to show through most of the year even with everything going on, so I feel like I’ve adapted pretty well to how things are going now,” Hesslink commented of competing under COVID protocol. “This is sort of our first week back into it, so it was a great start and the horses feel great. They do a nice job here, so we are very excited and happy. It’s nice to be able to show and feel safe. My clients and I have a really top string of hunters and horses for every ring, just like her, and I’m really excited to get the chance to show them and hopefully do well this season.”

In the handy phase, competitors returned in the reverse order of the standings, giving Hesslink and Small Occasion the advantage of going last as the early frontrunners. Torano and Laskano had moved up one spot to hold the lead with only one pair left to go, earning 94 points over the handy course to push them to 186 total points. In the end, Hesslink and Small Occasion retained their status at the top of the scorecard with 93 points to finish on a cumulative two-round score of 189. Torano and Laskano claimed second place, and Herrera captured the final podium spot with Valhalla. Jennifer Bliss of Loxahatchee, FL also had a great day, finishing aboard three horses in the fourth, fifth, and sixth positions.

For more information and results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.

McLain Ward and Contagious Are Uncatchable in $37k Horseware Ireland Welcome Stake CSI 3*

McLain Ward and Contagious ©Sportfot.

Mill Spring, NC – October 15, 2020 – McLain Ward (USA) and Contagious were uncatchable in the $37,000 Horseware Ireland Welcome Stake CSI 3* at Tryon International Equestrian Center and Resort (TIEC), stopping the short-course timers in 40.4 seconds for the win. Amanda Derbyshire (GBR) grabbed two top-five placings aboard Gochman Sport Horse LLC entries, piloting Cornwall BH, the 2008 Holsteiner stallion (Con Air x Cambridge), to second on a time of 49.83 seconds, while also claiming fourth aboard Luibanta BH, the 2008 Irish Sport Horse mare (Luidam x Abantos), in a time of 41.56 seconds on four faults. Darragh Kenny (IRL) rounded out the podium in the irons with the 2007 Holsteiner gelding (Cartani x Heraldik II) owned in partnership with Whiterock Farm Ltd., Carthano, putting in the fastest four-fault round in a time of 41.43 seconds.

The Ghuiherme Jorge (BRA) course design saw 100 entries challenge the first round, with only six pairs earning the chance to tour the jump-off track. Ward and the 2009 German Sport Horse gelding (Contagio x For Keeps) owned by Beechwood Stables LLC managed to make the best of a tough situation with a field stacked with stiff competition, he shared:

“It’s a tough situation. It’s a three-star event, but because of the state of the world and our sport right now, you have 100 [competing] today,” he analyzed. “To me, that was like a five-star 1.55m track. I’m lucky to have a horse like Contagious who’s up to that, but you also saw a lot of horses today who were surprised by it.”

Jordan Coyle and Picador Conquer $37,000 EquiSafe Global Power & Speed Stake CSI 3*

October 14, 2020 – Jordan Coyle (IRL) and Picador’s performance could not be topped in the $37,000 EquiSafe Global Power & Speed Stake CSI 3*, halting the speed phase timers at 25.146 seconds. Eugenio Garza (MEX) and Caracas, the 2009 Holsteiner gelding (Cachas x Unknown) owned by Nerijus Sipaila, earned second on a speed phase time of 25.43 seconds, while Kristen VanderVeen (USA) claimed the yellow rosette aboard Bull Run’s Almighty, the 2008 Hanoverian gelding (Caspar x Quidam De Revel) owned by Bull Run Jumpers Six LLC, on a time of 26.079 seconds.

Coyle and the 2007 British Warmblood gelding (Lupicor x Concorde) owned by Elan Farm toured the Ghuiherme Jorge (BRA) course design without seeing many riders go, he admitted, but having a naturally quick horse made all the difference. “I rode one horse before Picador in the class, so I kind of knew the distances. I didn’t get to see Eugenio go, but I saw Kristen’s ride and she was fast. Luckily, I have one of the fastest horses there is! The course was nice, but honestly, it’s the horse,” Coyle emphasized about where he gained the advantage in a class of 42 starters.

McLain Ward and Elke Maria M Win $1,000 Power & Speed Stake CSI 3*

October 14, 2020 – McLain Ward (USA) and Elke Maria M, the 2009 Dutch Warmblood mare (Cornet Obelensky x Carthago) belonging to Willem Greve Sportpaarden BV, stopped the timers in 23.02 seconds to earn top honors in the $1,000 Power & Speed Stake CSI 3* Wednesday at TIEC. Hunter Holloway (USA) and Pepita Con Spita, the Hays Investment Corp. entry and 2011 Westphalian mare (Con Spirit 7 x Come On), completed the speed phase in 23.585 seconds for reserve honors in the class of 50 entries, while Teddy Vlock (ISR) cleared the speed phase in 24.253 seconds to earn third with Charly Brown, the Vlock Show Stables-owned 2005 Belgian Warmblood gelding (Diamant de Semilly x Burggraaf).

To learn more, visit www.Tryon.com.