Tag Archives: McLain Ward

Jump Media, Show Jumping

Star-Studded List to Compete at Longines Masters of New York

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New York, NY – Thirteen Olympians and four of the top-ten riders in the world will ascend on the northeastern United States for the Longines Masters of New York, running April 25 through 28, 2019, at NYCB LIVE, Home of the Nassau Veteran’s Memorial Coliseum.

The Longines Masters of New York features the 2019 edition of the Longines Grand Prix of New York and the fourth leg of the innovative Riders Masters Cup, which pits Riders Europe and Riders USA teams against each other in multi-phase transatlantic duels. All the action will be made even better with decorated riders representing 12 countries across the globe coming to New York with their very best equine athletes to compete.

From world No. 2 rider McLain Ward and four-time Olympian Beezie Madden of The United States to former world-ranking leader Harrie Smolders of The Netherlands and Darragh Kenny of Ireland, equestrian powerhouses will turn out in full force for the Longines Masters of New York. But they will be contested by some of the sport’s rising stars in Belgium’s Olivier Philippaerts, France’s Edward Levy, and Egypt’s Nayel Nassar, as well as Adrienne Sternlicht, Lillie Keenan, and Jennifer Gates of The United States.

See The Masters One Riders.

Contact: Jennifer Wood
jennifer@jumpmediallc.com

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Victory in $500,000 Rolex Grand Prix CSI 5* Goes to McLain Ward and HH Azur

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McLain Ward and HH Azur. Photo © Sportfot.

Wellington, FL – The highlight event of the 2019 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), the $500,000 Rolex Grand Prix CSI 5*, was held as the final “Saturday Night Lights” class on Saturday, March 30. Topping the ultimate test at WEF were McLain Ward (USA) and HH Azur in a thrilling eight-horse jump-off.

In a field of 40 entries, some of the best horses and riders in the world vied for the chance to take home the top prize money of the circuit. They were riding over a course set by 2016 Rio Olympic Games designer Guilherme Jorge of Brazil.

There were eight that found the key to a clear round to advance to the jump-off.

Sophia and Madison Mitchell Take Top Honors in Week 12 Alessandro Albanese 15-17 Equitation Division

In the final days of the Winter Equestrian Festival, Sophia Mitchell and Madison Mitchell added their names to the list of champions for the Alessandro Albanese Equitation 15-17 division. The Week 12 class saw 49 horse-and-rider combinations and therefore was held in a California split format which allowed for two champions and two reserve champions.

Sophia Mitchell piloted Lily Walton’s 11-year-old Oldenburg gelding (Contendo I x Anytime), Callahan, to an impressive total of 30 points to receive the title of section A champion.

Madison Mitchell, a working student for Don Stewart, picked up the section B champion title with Damon, an 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Massimo x Dubertha) owned by Cleopatra Georgiades.

For full results, please visit pbiec.coth.com.

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Cohen and Ward Notch International Wins on Final Day of WEF Week 9

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Samantha Cohen and Carmen. Photo © Sportfot.

Wellington, FL – March 10, 2019 – Forty-five entries lined up for the chance to be named the winner of the $50,000 Griffis Residential Grand Prix CSI 2*. Of those 45, 10 went on to increase their chances by qualifying for the jump-off, and there were six double clear rounds.

The fastest of those was 18-year-old Samantha Cohen riding Carmen (a 12-year-old KWPN mare by Whitesnake x Corland), who stopped the timers in 37.56 seconds to take the victory as the first ones into the jump-off.

“I was first to go and nine were after me, with so many fast riders. I just wanted to go in and give it my best shot,” said Cohen of her jump-off ride. “She’s really quick around the turns, and she’s deceptively fast. She doesn’t ever look like she’s really running. I was really happy when I came out, but I was not sure it would hold.”

McLain Ward and HH Gigi’s Girl Speed to Victory in $72,000 CaptiveOne Advisors 1.50m Classic

Out of 42 entries competing over a course set by Alan Wade of Ireland, 16 were clear to contest the jump-off. Riding out of the second position in the jump-off order, Olympic team gold medalist Ward and HH Gigi’s Girl put in a blazing fast time of 33.36 seconds that couldn’t be caught. There were seven double clear rounds in the class.

Coming closest was William Whitaker (GBR) on RMF Echo, owned by Rushy Marsh Farm LLC. They were clear in 34.51 seconds. Third place went to Erynn Ballard on Ilan Ferder’s Ceitasi, who had a time of 34.89 seconds.

“The jump-off was actually set up pretty nice for her; it was a good track for her strength,” said Ward of the 11-year-old KWPN mare by Vingino x Celano.

Julia McNerney Cracks the Code to Take Title of Champion for Equiline Adult Amateur Hunter Younger (Sec. B)

Competitors in the Adult Amateur Hunter Younger (Sec. B) lined up for competition on Sunday, March 10 in the Rost Arena at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Nineteen horse-and-rider combinations later, Santa Monica, CA resident Julia McNerney was named the week’s champion aboard Crack.

The pair placed four points ahead of the week’s reserve champions after winning three of the five division classes and ending on a total of 30 overall points.

For full results, please visit pbiec.coth.com.

Competitions, Show Jumping

McLain Ward and Tradition De La Roque Win $36k Douglas Elliman Real Estate 1.45m

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McLain Ward and Tradition De La Roque. Photo © Sportfot.

Wellington, FL — March 6, 2019 — The ninth week of the 2019 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) started off competition in the International Arena on Wednesday, March 6, with the $36,000 Douglas Elliman Real Estate 1.45m class which saw victory for McLain Ward (USA) on Tradition de la Roque.

Week 9 of WEF will host a variety of two-star and five-star events all leading up to Saturday night’s $391,000 Douglas Elliman Real Estate Grand Prix CSI 5*.

For full results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

USA Wins $150,000 Nations Cup CSIO4* at WEF

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McLain Ward and Contagious. Photo © Sportfot.

Wellington, FL – March 2, 2019 – In the 18-year history of the Nations Cup at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), there had only been one jump-off to determine the gold medal. On Saturday, March 2, 2019, another jump-off took place and garnered the United States of America their seventh victory in the history of the class. The team, consisting of Wilton Porter, Beezie Madden, Adrienne Sternlicht, McLain Ward, and Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland, took the gold medal in the $150,000 Nations Cup CSIO4*, one of the highlight events of week 8 of WEF.

The winning nation was represented by Porter on Caletto Cabana, owned by Sleepy P Ranch LLC, Madden on Abigail Wexner’s Chic Hin D Hyrencourt, Sternlicht riding Toulago for Starlight Farms 1 LLC, and Ward on the Beechwood Stables LLC-owned mount, Contagious.

Martin Fuchs and Faberlys Find Victory in $50,000 CaptiveOne Advisors 1.50m Grand Prix

Switzerland’s Martin Fuchs and his mount, Faberlys, owned by SPCS, topped a 39-horse field to win the $50,000 CaptiveOne Advisors 1.50m Grand Prix on Saturday afternoon in the International Ring.

Of those 39 entries, six navigated the first round, Steve Stephens-designed track without fault to advance to the jump-off, where Fuchs had what he considered the advantage of returning second to last. With the time to beat set at 44.14 seconds by Canada’s Tiffany Foster and Caipiranja, owned by Artisan Farms, LLC, Fuchs elected to go for it, shaving nearly two seconds off of Foster’s time to finish in 42.22 seconds for the win. Foster’s time held up for second place, while third place with a time of 44.77 seconds went to David Blake of Ireland riding Keoki for owner Pine Hollow Farm.

Rindy Dominguez and MTM Casablanca Emerge Victorious in Hunt Ltd. Amateur-Owner Hunter 3’6” 36 & Over

Competitors in the Amateur-Owner Hunter 3’6” 36+ division returned to the E. R. Mische Grand Hunter Field on Saturday to contest the final three classes of the division for a chance at the champion and reserve titles. With two first place ribbons, Rindy Dominguez of Barrington, RI took the champion title aboard her own MTM Casablanca.

Dominguez and the 11-year-old bay mare earned two firsts, a fourth, fifth, and eighth over the two days of competition which left them 2.5 points ahead of the reserve winner. The mare has been paired with Dominguez for approximately a year and a half but is just making her first Winter Equestrian Festival debut this season.

“She was imported as a jumper, but I bought her about three weeks after she was imported. We’ve spent the fall learning how to be a hunter,” Dominguez explained. “She’s been so lovely. This is her first experience at WEF and her first time at the 3’6” height, which is also something I haven’t done in about two years so it’s very exciting.”

For full results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

McLain Ward and Clinta Capture $36,000 Equinimity WEF Challenge Cup Round 8 Win

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McLain Ward and Clinta. Photo © Sportfot.

The 2018 WEG team gold medal-winning duo of McLain Ward (USA) and Clinta outpaced a field of 68 entries to take victory in the $36,000 Equinimity WEF Challenge Cup Round 8 CSIO4*.

With the featured Thursday event held as a one round speed class, the time to beat when Ward entered the ring had been set at 74.63 seconds by Switzerland’s Martin Fuchs and his mount, Silver Shine, owned by Willow Grace Farm.

Laura Chapot and Out of Ireland Out Perform 92-Horse Field to Win $25,000 ProElite® 1.45m Jumper Classic

Laura Chapot (USA) and Out of Ireland topped a field of 92 entries to win the $25,000 ProElite® 1.45m Jumper Classic on Thursday in the International Arena.

The large starting field was narrowed down to 11 entries qualified to return to jump off over the Steve Stephens-designed course, and once onto the jump-off, the early time to beat – and the first double clear effort – was turned in by the sixth to return, Kelli Cruciotti (USA), who tripped the timers in 30.76 seconds to move into the lead aboard Grandy de Laubry, owned by 3 Seas, LLC. Cruciotti’s lead would prove to be short-lived however, as Chapot returned next, stopping the clock in 28.81 seconds to ultimately take the win aboard Out of Ireland, owned by The Edge.

Christopher Payne and Holden Out Take FarmVet Performance Hunter 3’3” Championship

More than 40 horse-and-rider combinations competed against each other for the champion and reserve champion ribbons in the FarmVet Performance Hunter 3’3” division during Week 8 of the 2019 Winter Equestrian Festival. Held in the E. R. Mische Grand Hunter Field at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center on Thursday, Christopher Payne of Cincinnati, OH was awarded the division’s champion ribbon.

Payne was aboard Susan Moriconi’s six-year-old Holsteiner gelding Holden On, (Casall x No Lady) a horse that is fairly new to the Performance Hunter division. Despite a lack of experience, the gelding racked up two firsts, two seconds, and one fifth to catapult to the top of the leaderboard in the competitive division.

For full results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Maclay, Show Jumping

Laura Chapot and Chandon Blue Speed to Win $50,000 Grand Prix CSI 2*

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Laura Chapot and Chandon Blue. Photo © Sportfot.

Wellington, FL – February 24, 2019 – In a field of 45 competitors, Laura Chapot (USA) and Mary Chapot’s Chandon Blue sped to the win in the $50,000 Grand Prix CSI 2*, presented by The Dutta Corp. in association with Guido Klatte. Chapot and Chandon Blue were one of eight clear in the first round and fourth to return in the jump-off over a course designed by Andy Christiansen Jr.

First to return in the jump-off were Bretton Chad (CAN) and The Pugilist, who put down a deceptively fast clear round in 38.72 seconds that would hold up for second place. After a fall and a scratch from the next two competitors, Peter Wylde (USA) and Canamera 2, owned by Kathleen Kamine, entered the ring and finished in 39.99 seconds for fifth place.

Chapot and Chandon Blue went next and through a combination of speed and tight turns, they brought the leading time down to 37.85 seconds for the win.

McLain Ward and Tradition de la Roque Win $72,000 CaptiveOne Advisors 1.50m Classic

In the $72,000 CaptiveOne Advisors 1.50m Classic CSI 5*, there were 45 entries competing over a course designed by Anthony D’Ambrosio. Four were able to go clear in the first 20 trips in the class, and they went on to go for speed in the jump-off.

Ward went first in the jump-off on HH Gigi’s Girl, owned by Double H Farm. A rail and a time of 39.41 seconds left them in fourth place.

Lorenzo de Luca (ITA), riding Stephex Stables’ Evita Van’t Zoggehof, were next in and they were very quick and clear in 37.81 seconds, which would slot into second place. Third place went to Carlos Hank Guerreiro (MEX) on H5 Jemousin, owned by H5 Stables, who was clear in 41.07 seconds.

Last proved to the best when Ward returned with Tradition de la Roque, a 12-year-old Selle Français mare by Kannan x Oberon du Moulin. They sped through the short course in 37.55 seconds, just taking the win by less than three-tenths of a second.

Abigail Lefkowitz and Ava Ellis Successful in ASPCA Maclay

The final day of competition during Week 7 of the 2019 Winter Equestrian Festival highlighted several FEI events in the International Arena as well as national hunter, jumper, and equitation competition throughout the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Both sections A and B of the ASPCA Maclay took to Ring 9 with upwards of 30 entries each. Section A awarded the first place to Abigail Lefkowitz and Top Saint Aubin, while Section B’s victory went to Ava Ellis aboard Campreoll.

In each section, the top 12 riders were invited to return for a test on the flat in which they were asked to remove their stirrups from the saddle before displaying control at the walk, trot, and canter.

For full results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.

Competitions, Show Jumping

McLain Ward Clinches First International Victory of WEF 2019

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McLain Ward aboard Tradition De La Roque. Photo by: Sportfot.

Wellington, FL — January 9, 2019 — Athletes at the first day of the 2019 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) kicked off competition in Wellington at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC). The festival is home to 12 consecutive weeks of elite hunter, jumper, and equitation competition and will run through March 31, 2019.

With only 12 entries, the first jumper class of the season was as efficient as the round performed by winner McLain Ward (USA). Repeating his victory from the opening day of WEF 2018, Ward piloted Tradition De La Roque to a flawless victory in the $8,000 Douglas Elliman Real Estate 1.45m Open Jumper in 28.986 seconds in a power and speed format over a course designed by Eric Hasbrouck of the United States. The Kessler Show Stables Europe BV’s 12-year-old Selle Francais mare by Kannan x Karioa Grand Pre has been well-versed in international competition with previous rider Reed Kessler.

Second place went to Kaely Tomeu (USA) aboard the Sibony Ranch’s 10-year-old Swedish Warmblood mare Cassandra F, falling short of Ward by four seconds with a time of 32.755 seconds. Sarah Scheiring (USA) closed in only seconds apart from Tomeu to take third place with Cheval Equestrian LLC’s Dutch Warmblood gelding Dontez in 33.009 seconds.

The experience of both Ward and his mount was obvious as the team maintained their lead throughout the power-and-speed course and crossed the timers in a blazing 28.986 seconds.

“She’s an experienced horse of Reed Kessler’s, and since she went back to school, her horses are on the market,” he commented. “Until then I’m lucky enough to have the opportunity to ride her.”

As for his first win of the 2019 season, Ward was pleased with their debut round. “This class is always a bit light because it’s the first morning, so if you have an experienced horse you don’t have to go too fast to win it. We were able to just have a nice, smooth round and start the circuit off well.”

For full results please visit www.PBIEC.com.

Competitions, FEI, Show Jumping

McLain Ward Triumphant in $205,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Toronto

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McLain Ward and HH Gigi’s Girl. Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography.

Toronto, Ontario -Two-time U.S Olympic team gold medalist McLain Ward claimed the $205,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Toronto, presented by GroupBy, in front of a sold-out crowd on Saturday night, November 10, at the CSI4*-W Royal Horse Show in Toronto, ON.

Ward topped a 21-horse starting field over tracks set by 2018 World Championship course designer, Alan Wade of Ireland, to claim the ninth Royal Horse Show World Cup title of his career. As the final challenger in the jump-off, Ward saved the best for last, executing a brilliant round to stop the clock at 32.42 seconds riding HH Gigi’s Girl. Ward’s U.S. gold medal teammate at the recent World Championships, Devin Ryan, posted a time of 33.88 seconds with his World Championship partner, Eddie Blue, to finish runner-up.

“It was nice to have the last spot in the order,” said Ward, who was presented with the Hickstead Trophy, given in memory of Eric Lamaze’s legendary 2008 Olympic gold medal partner, and a Longines timepiece for his win. “I know Devin and his horse are quick because he has beat me a few times. Sometimes you get lucky.

“This was a gymnastics test, which is what courses are now at the highest level,” continued Ward of Wade’s track, one that HH Gigi’s Girl, a 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare (Vingino x Celano) owned by Double H Farm, conquered with style. “The mare performed beautifully the whole second part of this year and is really putting things together, and it’s a great way for her to finish her season. She has always been a spectacular jumper and I feel she has a really exciting future.”

Ward, 43, estimates that he has been competing at the Royal Horse Show for almost a quarter of a century, saying, “I love it here. Obviously, I’m not Canadian, but I think of this as a second home. The show is being run beautifully and the organization is phenomenal. As you saw, we had a sold-out crowd, and I’m thrilled to be part of it.”

The victory earned Ward coveted qualifying points for the 2019 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Final, an event he won in 2017. The 2019 edition will be held next April in Gothenburg, Sweden.  Ward, who had also won the $50,000 Weston Canadian Open one night earlier riding Tradition de la Roque, earned the Leading International Rider title.

Ryan’s second-place finish placed him closer to his goal of qualifying for the 2019 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Final after a spectacular year for him and his mount, Eddie Blue, a nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by LL Show Jumpers LLC.

“As I always say, take it one day at a time, but this year I am going to try to make it back to the World Cup Final,” he said. “We’ll see how the cards play out, but he’s had quite a big year this year, and I think he’s a really special horse, so I don’t want to over use him.

“You always think about what you would you have done differently,” continued Ryan, 36, of his position behind Ward. “I didn’t take quite the shot that McLain took. I probably should have tried it, but that’s show jumping for you!”

Ali Ramsay of Victoria, BC posted the first clear round of the evening riding her 11-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare, Hermelien vd Hooghoeve, and opened the jump-off by again jumping clear in a time of 34.62 seconds for third place.

“It’s always harder going first because you know you have to go clear,” said Ramsay, 26, who first attended the Royal Horse Show in 2012 when she won the Running Fox CET Medal Final. “I think my horse did everything I asked of her. We are really lucky to have this Canadian indoor venue here at The Royal and having this crowd is really unlike anything else.”

Great Britain’s Amanda Derbyshire also posted a double-clear performance in a time of 35.20 seconds to finish fourth riding Roulette BH for owner Gochman Sport Horse LLC, while New Zealand’s Sharn Wordley rounded out the jump-off field in fifth place after having a rail down over the short course aboard Barnetta, owned by Sky Group.

For more information on the Royal Horse Show, the marquee event of The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, please visit www.royalfair.org/horseshow.html.

Competitions, Show Jumping

Ward Wins Weston Canadian Open

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McLain Ward. Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography.

Toronto, Ontario – Speed was the name of the game and none were faster than McLain Ward of the United States to win the $50,000 Weston Canadian Open on Friday night, November 9, at the CSI4*-W Royal Horse Show, held as part of the 96th Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, ON.

The premise was simple: leave all the jumps in place over the course designed by Ireland’s Alan Wade and do it in the fastest time. Six riders left all the rails up, with Ward accomplishing the feat in a time of 62.71 seconds. His mount was Tradition de la Roque, an 11-year-old black French-bred mare owned by Kessler Show Stables.

Canada’s own Keean White of Rockwood, ON gave it his best effort riding Leilani, an eight-year-old grey Oldenburg mare owned by Lisa Marie Gauthier and Angelstone Farm. With a time of 63.49 seconds, White finished as the runner-up. Capt. Brian Cournane riding Penelope Cruz and Conor Swail aboard GK Coco Chanel took third and fourth places for Ireland respectively with times of 64.11 and 64.70 seconds. Great Britain’s Amanda Derbyshire was fifth with a clear round in a time of 68.17 riding Roulette BH while 2017 Canadian Champion Amy Millar of Perth, ON posted the only other clear round of the night to finish sixth with Heros.

Ward, 43, estimates that this is his 23rd or 24th time competing at the Royal Horse Show.

“I love it here,” said Ward, who was a member of the gold medal team at the recent World Championships. “I think this is one of the great events in our sport throughout the world. The atmosphere, the way that they have been able to hold on to so many traditional aspects of the event – I think it’s a phenomenal evening. It’s one of the few places where I come to watch something other than show jumping.

“The Royal is something that is very special to me,” continued Ward. “The environment here is brilliant. This is a crowd that really understands the sport and appreciates the animals. It still has great ties to agriculture. People make an effort to dress up and make it an important evening. I think it creates an environment that is electric and special to be a part of.”

For more information on the Royal Horse Show, the marquee event of The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, please visit www.royalfair.org/horseshow.html.