Tryon, Mill Spring, United States — October 17, 2026 — Saturday Night Lights at Tryon International delivered a historic moment as McLain Ward (USA) celebrated his 51st birthday by winning the 51st Major League Show Jumping Grand Prix. Aboard High Star Hero, Ward claimed his first MLSJ Grand Prix victory in the $340,000 Grand Prix CSI 5*, presented by KASK, bringing Leg 5 of Season 6 to a close in memorable fashion.
Course designer Nick Granat (CAN) built a demanding 1.60m track featuring 13 obstacles and 17 jumping efforts. Of the 37 combinations that entered the arena, only six managed to produce clear first rounds and advance to the jump off.
Ward praised both the difficulty of the course and the calibre of riders competing at Tryon.
“I thought it was a proper 5* Grand Prix anywhere in the world. You have a very top heavy group here. You have six of the top ten in the world. Number one, two and three in the world,” Ward said.
Reigning Olympic champion Christian Kukuk (GER) was the first to navigate the course without fault aboard 10-year-old Akarad Tivoli Z, after the opening 14 combinations failed to produce a clear round.
“When I walked the course, I thought it was a pretty tough one today,” Kukuk explained.
Following Kukuk’s performance, the winners of the previous two MLSJ Grand Prix events, Daniel Bluman (ISR) and Mark Bluman (ISR), also secured their places in the jump off, looking to extend the family’s winning streak to three consecutive legs.
Kukuk was first to return for the jump off, delivering another fault free performance in 44.30 seconds to establish the opening benchmark.
Daniel Bluman (ISR) and Corbie V.V., along with Gabriel de Matos Machado (BRA) and Legaland, both encountered trouble on course, each finishing with four faults.
Ward then entered the arena aboard his FEI World Championship mount, High Star Hero. Despite several previous podium finishes in MLSJ Grand Prix competition, the American had yet to secure a victory.
“For some reason, I’ve had a lot of seconds and thirds in this class at Major League Show Jumping. I’ve aimed at them but have come up short,” Ward reflected.
This time, Ward left nothing to chance. Delivering a fast and faultless round, he stopped the clock at 42.68 seconds, taking more than a second and a half off Kukuk’s leading time.
With two riders remaining, Ward’s position was far from secure. World No. 3 Shane Sweetnam (IRL) returned with his Olympic and World Championship mount James Kann Cruz, the same horse that carried him to second place in last year’s Tryon Grand Prix. However, a rail ended Sweetnam’s hopes of returning to the podium.
Last to challenge was Mark Bluman (ISR) aboard Genial De B’Neville. Knowing that a clear round would guarantee a podium finish, Bluman opted for a more conservative approach, crossing the timers in 49.52 seconds to secure third place.
“I knew that by going clear I was guaranteed a podium, and I was listening to my horse and what he needs, so I didn’t want to take a risk. I wanted to play it safe and get a nice result for the horse and myself,” Mark Bluman explained.
The result marked another significant Grand Prix podium for Mark Bluman, who had claimed victory at Highlands Cup just one week earlier.
“It’s a pleasure to be sitting next to two Olympic champions. It’s a dream come true,” Bluman added, reflecting on sharing the podium with Ward and Kukuk.
Kukuk finished in second place aboard Akarad Tivoli Z, adding another major result to the young horse’s already impressive resume.
“I have a lot of hope in this horse. I think he’s going to be my best horse in the next years, so I’m happy with what he’s doing here,” Kukuk said.
Kukuk also spoke highly of Major League Show Jumping and his experience competing in the League.
“I think it’s an amazing series. I was excited to come here and be a part of it,” he added.
For Ward, the victory brought an end to his pursuit of a MLSJ 5* Grand Prix title, delivering a milestone result on his birthday against a field featuring some of the world’s highest ranked riders.
Kukuk claimed silver, while Mark Bluman’s calculated double clear secured bronze and another podium finish for the Bluman family in Season 6.
For more information on Major League Show Jumping and to view complete schedules, rosters and more, visit majorleagueshowjumping.com
Final Results – $340,000 MLSJ Grand Prix CSI 5*, presented by Kask
1) McLain Ward (USA) & High Star Hero – 0 / 0 – 42.68
2) Christian Kukuk (GER) & Akarad Tivoli Z – 0 / 0 – 44.30
3) Mark Bluman (ISR) & Genial de B’Neville – 0 / 0 – 49.52
Source: Press Release from Major League Show Jumping
Photos: © MLSJ / ERAVIII
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