Toronto, Canada — September 05, 2026 — The first Grand Prix of Major League Show Jumping Season 6 took center stage under the lights Saturday night in Toronto, with Shane Sweetnam (IRL) and Coriaan Van Klapscheut Z taking the win in the $500,000 Grand Prix CSI 5*, presented by Kubota.
Thirty combinations took on the 1.60m track set by Olympic course designer Guilherme Jorge (BRA). The course proved selective from start to finish, with the triple combination late in the track causing trouble for a number of the night’s contenders.
First on course, Ilan Bluman (COL) and Acajou set the standard for the field. The pair produced the first clear of the night in 80.85 seconds, narrowly inside the 82 second time allowed, and would remain the only combination qualified for the jump off through the midway break.
Sweetnam and Coriaan Van Klapscheut Z were the next to leave every fence standing. Returning after the break, the Irish combination crossed the timers clear in 78.66 seconds to force a jump-off.
The clear carried added significance for Coriaan Van Klapscheut Z, who is still early in his 5* Grand Prix career. “This is only his second 5* Grand Prix and the last one he did was in Monterrey (MLSJ Finals), which he was also clear in” said Sweetnam of his mount.
As the first round drew to a close, Thursday’s 5* Qualifier winners Kent Farrington (USA) and Descartes SR produced the third clear of the night, setting a three-horse jump-off from the original field of 30.
With Farrington still to come as the final combination in the jump-off, Sweetnam knew there would be little room for error. “It’s something I’m always trying to figure out, as I finish second to Kent a lot” recounted Sweetnam when asked about his jump off strategy.
Sweetnam and Coriaan Van Klapscheut Z stopped the clock in 39.08 seconds to take control of the class and put the pressure on Farrington.
Farrington returned with Toronto history on his side. A Grand Prix winner in Season 3, the World No. 2 entered the ring with a chance to add another title to his record.
Last to challenge Sweetnam’s time, Farrington and Descartes SR had the pace to take the lead, but the penultimate fence came down. Four faults left the pair in second and secured the opening Grand Prix win of Season 6 for Sweetnam and Coriaan Van Klapscheut Z.
The result marks Farrington’s third consecutive runner-up finish in the Toronto Grand Prix, capping an opening week that saw him win Thursday’s 5* Qualifier before finishing second in Saturday’s Grand Prix.
Sweetnam’s victory puts the first Grand Prix points of Season 6 on the board as Major League Show Jumping closes out Leg 1 in Toronto. The League now moves to Traverse City, Michigan, for Leg 2, September 10- 12.
For more information on Major League Show Jumping and to view complete schedules, rosters and more, visit majorleagueshowjumping.com
Get in on the action by downloading the MLSJ App and tune in live and free all season at ClipMyHorse.TV.
Final Results – $500,000 Grand Prix CSI 5*, presented by Kubota
1) Shane Sweetnam (IRL) & Coriaan Van Klapscheut Z – 0 / 0 – 39.080
2) Kent Farrington (USA) & Descartes SR – 0 / 4 – 38.060
3) Ilan Bluman (COL) & Acajou – 0 / 4 – 39.670
Source: Press Release from Major League Show Jumping (MLSJ)
Photos: © MLSJ / Mackenzie Clark
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