Ali Wolff (USA) and Hesperide du Breuil (Comilfo Plus Z x Hickstead) raced to victory Friday in the $31,020 GGT Footing & Silver Oak CSI3* Welcome Stake, producing a clear jump-off in 35.10 seconds to lead a 27-entry field at Flintfields Horse Park.
Callie Schott (USA) and Popstar (Comme Il Faut 5 x Echo van't Spieveld) finished second in 35.81 seconds, while Ireland’s Paul O’Shea and Manglar LS La Silla (Cantarel LS x Riscal La Silla) took third in 36.11 seconds.
Nearly a year into her partnership with the nine-year-old mare, Wolff said the pieces are beginning to come together. “We’ve been putting parts and pieces together slowly. Now we’re getting the speed and the carefulness. I really like where we’re headed,” she said.
That natural speed proved decisive Friday. Wolff said the key is allowing Hesperide du Breuil to cover the ground without asking her to simply run, and she found the time she needed on the gallop to the final fence. “I think where I really made up ground was the last fence,” Wolff said. “It was a long, galloping nine strides.”
Friday’s performance could also signal a bigger step ahead. Wolff is considering Hesperide du Breuil for a five-star qualifier during Week 2 of the Tournament of Champions. “Hopefully, we’re going to attempt the qualifier, a five-star, next week,” Wolff said. “That’s the biggest step up, but right now she feels incredible, confident, and comfortable."
More than $3 million in prize money, two consecutive weeks of five-star competition, and championship classes across the hunter, jumper, and equitation rings will close the 2026 Traverse City Horse Shows season during the Tournament of Champions, September 2–20 at Flintfields Horse Park.
Major League Show Jumping, the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Traverse City for the American Gold Cup presented by Frank & Eileen, the Silver Oak Jumper Tournament, and the USHJA Young Jumper Championships will bring many of the sport’s leading riders and horses to Traverse City, with competition for professionals, juniors, amateurs, and developing horses.
“The Tournament of Champions is designed to close our season at its peak,” said Traverse City Horse Shows Event Director Matt Morrissey. “After a full summer together, these final three weeks bring some of our biggest championships, our strongest international competition, and opportunities for riders and horses at every level. It’s a fitting way to finish the season.”
Opening week, September 2–6, features the Silver Oak Jumper Tournament presented by the Davis McCullough Foundation, bringing three-star competition to Flintfields Horse Park with classes including the $117,000 Agero CSI3* Grand Prix. Major League Show Jumping opens two consecutive weeks of five-star competition with competition on September 11 and 12. Five-star action culminates on September 20 with the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Traverse City for the American Gold Cup presented by Frank & Eileen.
