Greenwich, Connecticut – September 27, 2024 – Competition concluded in grand fashion on the first day of the Major League Show Jumping / CSI Greenwich 5* & 2* with the running of the $62,500 Cabana Coast Qualifier CSI 5* and familiar faces on the podium.
A true testament of top sport, a of total of 39 combinations, highlighted by Olympic Champions, Grand Slam Major title holders as well as multiple grand prix winners; representing Belgium, Brazil, Chile, Canada, Colombia, Egypt, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Lebanon, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, United States of America and Venezuela. Spectators were about to witness a “Clash of Titans” in the highlight of the day, a 1.50m jump-off challenge on the course designed by Alan Wade (IRL).
A Party of Ten
Abdel Said (BEL) got things going and despite multiple five-star grand prix wins under his belt, this time the Egyptian rider who defends the colors of Belgium did not have “luck” on his side, registering a total of 7 penalty-points.
Tiffany Foster (CAN) and Electrique quickly showed the field how it was supposed to be done, mastering the course to become the first duo to qualify for the tiebreaker. The Canadian was soon joined by another female, a star in her own right, Jessica Springsteen (USA) on Naomi van het Keizershof. Karl Cook (USA) and Caracole de La Roque joined the mix, but unfortunately equestrian fans would not get to see the stellar pair again this day as Cook opted to withdraw from the decisive round.
Eight more combinations duplicated the feat, all completing their rounds in flawless fashion, but only Darragh Kenny (IRL), McLain Ward (USA) and Jessica Springsteen (USA) would end up battling for the top three placings on the podium.
The Showdown Begins
Again, Jessica Springsteen (USA) and Naomi van het Keizershof were stellar in the jump-off, setting the benchmark by tripping the timers in 37.71 seconds. There was still much competition and drama to be unfolded as the heavyweights showcased their talent and flying beasts.
After having won the $31,200 Artemis Farms Speed Challenge CSI 2* less than 2 hours before, Darragh Kenny (IRL) looked to ride his wave of success into the spolight again. For a short while he managed to do that, lowering Springsteen’s mark by almost four-tenths of a second, setting the new time to beat at 37.40 seconds.
However, his lead did not last long. As countless times before and coming at the end of the order, McLain Ward (USA) used that to his advantage, showing maestry aboard Contagious. When it was all said and done, the American and the 15-year-old chesnut German Sport Horse (DSP – ZWEIB) gelding (Contagio x For Keeps) had pranced and danced around the track in quick mode, still clearing all the fences before being tripped by the timers in 36.79 seconds for the win.
Final Results – $62,500 Cabana Coast Qualifier CSI 5*
1) McLain Ward (USA) & Contagious – 0 / 0 – 36.79
2) Darragh Kenny (IRL) & Eddy Blue – 0 /0 – 37.40
3) Jessica Springsteen (USA) & Naomi van het Keizershof – 0 / 0 – 37.71
Text: Jumper News, no reproduction without permission.
Photos: © Hannah Stephens / Elysian Media for Jumper News
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Categories: CSI 5*, English, Jumper News USA
