Traverse City, United States – September 19, 2026 – A veteran partnership shined earlier Saturday In the $62,500 American Gold Cup Winning Round CSI5*-W, 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.”
Looking ahead to Sunday, Bluman is taking a different approach than usual, knowing it’s time to step up a younger mount and teach her how to jump a major five-star grand prix course.
“Tomorrow we’re with Malina who’s 9 years old,” Bluman said of his ride for the American Gold Cup. “It’s her first ever World Cup Qualifier and second ever 1.60m class. It’s really more for the experience and to keep building her up. But already with this win we can be very happy with the week we’re having so far. It’s always great to be here in Traverse City and delighted that Gemma takes one more win for her tally.”
Bluman is not results-oriented for Sunday’s game plan, but he still hopes for some of the best jumping on display in North America.
“It’s going to be an incredible day of jumping, the Gold Cup always is,” he noted. “You’re going to see some of the best horses in the world competing so I think it’s going to be a great class. On my end I hope it’s a great experience for my horse and I get to enjoy a beautiful grand prix day.”
Final Results – $62,500 American Gold Cup Winning Round CSI 5*-W
1) Daniel Bluman (ISR) & Gemma W – 0 / 0 – 31.81
2) Daniel Coyle (IRL) & Calippo 57 – 0 / 0 – 31.84
3) Christian Kukuk (GER) & HK Carrera – 0 / 0 – 33.88
Source: Press Release from Traverse City Horse Shows
Photos: © TCHS / Natalie Suto Photography / Megan Giese Media
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