The HITS Hudson Valley FEI Jumper Special came to an exciting conclusion on Sunday, June 14, 2026, as international athletes gathered in the Douglas Elliman Grand Prix Stadium for the week’s featured class, the $62,480 CSI2* Grand Prix. The distinct Jumper Special event showcased CSI2* and three tiers of CSI1* competition over four days of action, with horses and riders of varying levels of experience getting their shot at international-level glory. Ultimately, it was Samuel Hutton (GBR) and WKD Toronto that claimed the coveted grand prix victory to close out the week in style.
Catsy Cruz (MEX) challenged competitors with a technical first-round track that tested scope, carefulness, and adjustability. Out of the field of 28 starting entries, 14 combinations successfully navigated the course to advance to the jump-off, setting the stage for an exciting race against the clock.
When the dust settled, it was Samuel Hutton aboard WKD Toronto who delivered the winning performance. The pair produced a fault-free jump-off round in a time of 40.010 seconds, securing the lion’s share of the prize money and adding a major victory to their newly minted partnership.
“WKD Toronto is a pretty new ride for me,” said Hutton of Joanne Sloane-Allen’s 13-year-old Irish Sporthorse gelding (Tornesch x Carnaval Drum) that was previously campaigned by fellow Great Britain rider Sameh el Dahan through the five-star level. “He’s an experienced horse who has jumped a lot of big classes. I’m really lucky to have him in my string.”
Hutton advanced two horses to the jump-off and found himself in the unique position of trying to beat himself. He set the pace early aboard WKD Toronto before returning as the final rider in the order with Etincelle D’Ellipse, that ultimately secured third place.
“It was so cool to finish fast with all the jumps up with WKD Toronto, and it was nice to know Etincelle D’Ellipse is also very fast and I’m just chasing my own time,” he remarked.
For Hutton, who trains out of AS Farms in nearby South Salem, New York, the victory was a fitting way to cap off a successful week at HITS Hudson Valley.
“HITS is a great facility, and there’s been a lot of prize money offered this week,” he expressed. “It’s nice because I was able to bring all of my clients. I’m really proud of our whole team because the results from everyone have been fantastic!”
Second-place honors went to Friday’s $31,020 CSI2* Welcome winner, Philip McGuane (IRL), who piloted Paso Doble SCF, Evergate Stables LLC’s 11-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare (Diktator van de Boslandhoeve x Cassini I), to a fault-free jump-off in 40.350 seconds. Hutton also rounded out the podium with Etincelle D’Ellipse, AS Farms USA Inc.’s 12-year-old Selle Français mare (Apache D’Ardriers x Galoubet A), stopping the clock in 40.810 seconds for third place.
Isabel Coxe and Electrique Top $10,000 CSI1* Gold Final
It was the $10,000 CSI1* Gold Final (1.35m) that closed out the week’s competition, where Isabel Coxe (USA) and Electrique emerged victorious against a field of 20 entries after delivering a fault-free effort across the short course in 33.76 seconds.
“This horse is a very new partnership for me, but she’s beyond excellent in so many ways and has ample experience winning at the five-star level, so I’m so grateful to learn from her,” enthused Coxe. “She’s a weapon when you ask her to be! I recently broke my coccyx bone just two weeks ago, so this was my first show back in a minute, which is why I was so grateful that Saugerties offered a one-star. It was my first FEI show with her, and I’m hoping is’s just one of many to come as we continue to gain experience and compete in the higher levels. Saugerties is also a home show as we base in North Salem and my family was able to come and watch today, which was really lovely to celebrate a win with them and so grateful that they were able to come out so easily.”
Kiana Mitchell and Tsunami Capture $10,000 CSI1* Silver Final
The $10,000 CSI1* Silver Final (1.25m) welcomed 21 entries to the Douglas Elliman Grand Prix Stadium. After a competitive class, Kiana Mitchell (USA) guided Tsunami to the win with an impressive double-clear performance in a blazing fast 35.35 seconds.
“She’s just so fun,” shared Mitchell of Pine Hollow Farm’s 13-year-old Warmblood mare (Thunder van de Zuuthoeve x Sandro). “All I have to do is put her in gear and let her go, and she takes care of everything. My plan was to go as fast as I could, keep her safe and happy, and let her do what she does best.”
Scarlett Loeffler and La India Conchavita PS Claim $10,000 CSI1* Bronze Final
Competition began with the $10,000 CSI1* Bronze Final (1.15m), featuring nine horse-and-rider combinations. Junior rider Scarlett Loeffler (USA) and La India Conchavita PS, her own 12-year-old Mecklenburg mare (Conthargos x Chacco Blue), ultimately claimed top honors after producing the class-winning effort across the jump-off track in 35.71 seconds.
“This is just our second show together, so I just wanted to ride my best and get to know her more,” explained Loeffler. “I’m having so much fun with her, and this is only the start of our partnership, so I can’t wait to see where it goes.”
The conclusion of Sunday’s competition brought the HITS Hudson Valley FEI Jumper Special to a close. With the end of spring showing, the stage is set for another exciting summer season in Saugerties, set to resume on July 15, 2026, with the popular Hudson Valley Jumping Tour™. For complete results, please visit www.showmanagementsystem.com.
