WILLIAMSBURG —
Two familiar names teamed up on Saturday to contend the $62,500 Horseflight American Gold Cup CSI2Grand Prix, and it seems to be the start of a promising partnership.
Mclain Ward (USA) and Hialita B, owned by Mike Smith, were one of nine pairs to contend Alan Wade’s (IRL) jump-off, and it wasn’t particularly surprising to see them already off to a blazing start, taking the win and making many excited for the future.
“This is actually my first show with this mare of Mike Smith’s,” Ward said following the win. “She’s been a top horse with Thaisa Erwin (AUS) the past several years at the highest levels of the sport, and was the alternate for the Australian team at the World Championships in Aachen. I took over the ride about a week ago. We did a couple small classes and I’m excited about the future with her.”
Around the short course, Ward put his trust in the 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare (Emerald x Vaillant). “She knows her game so I knew I could trust her and she’s a naturally very fast horse. Even though we’re inexperienced, I know what her experience is.”
Up against fellow top names paired with newer partners, Ward rode to a time of 36.09 seconds. Fellow Olympian Erynn Ballard (CAN) came closest to their time, clocking in at 36.31 seconds with Ravallo van de Helle, ultimately taking second. Ariana Marnell (USA) was third with Dagny, another impressively fast double-clear performance.
Bluman, Gemma W add another win in American Gold Cup
A veteran partnership shined earlier Saturday In the $62,500 American Gold Cup CSI5-W Winning Round, as Daniel Bluman (ISR) took the win aboard Gemma W. In the unique format, Bluman produced a clear round over the initial track, not yet certain that would be enough, since only the top 10 return to jump off.
Fortunately, his time in round one was quick enough to secure his spot, and he made his chance count as he piloted the 15-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare (Luidam x Unaniem) to a winning time of 31.81 seconds.
“For the jump-off I really know the horse I’m riding and how special she is,” Bluman reflected. “I know that when she can go at her best speed she’s the one to beat. All I wanted to do was the same thing I told Daniel Coyle (IRL) right in front of me, and I beat him by a fraction. It went my way today but it could’ve been his way.”
Coyle and Calippo 57 clocked in at 31.84 seconds, putting him just narrowly in second place as the class drew to a close. Christian Kukuk (GER) and HK Carrera finished in third.
“Every time you have a class with so many great riders and horses you want to get competitive,” Bluman said of how the caliber of competitor inspires him to do better. “Gemma jumped just one class last week and won it and she jumped only this class this week and won it too. She had an amazing couple weeks here.”