Ten of the 43 horse-and-rider combinations representing 14 countries made it to the jump-off in Friday’s $116,100 Douglas Elliman 5* Grand Prix Qualifier presented by Longines, which saw a challenging 16-effort, 1.60m course designed by Nick Granat during the initial round. Each entry seemed to get faster than the last until penultimate rider McLain Ward (USA) stepped into the ring with High Star Hero (Zazu x Darco), securing the win with a double-clear effort in 36.84 seconds.
“It’s always nice to have the luxury of going at the end,” Ward said. “Shane’s horse is a very fast horse with a big stride. I know he’s setting up for Sunday and leaving a little in reserve, but Hero’s focus for this week was this qualifier so I was able to take some risks. We know each other very well, and we stuck to our plan today.
“I’m looking forward to this weekend,” he continued. “I’ll be riding Imperial HBF in the Grand Prix on Sunday. I think he’s possibly the best horse I’ve ever ridden. You need things to go your way in this sport, but we’ve set up well for it. It’s been a few years since I’ve won the Grand Prix, so I’m hoping for the best result.”
Shane Sweetnam landed in second place with his double-clear score of 37.51 seconds aboard James Kann Cruz (Kannan GFE x Cruising), his and Gizmo Partners LLC’s 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding. Third went to Corrigan, who stopped the clock in 38.39 seconds with Twin Oaks Ventures LLC’s 12-year-old Selle Français gelding Darius De Kerglenn (Mylord carthago x Diamant De Semilly).
Mendoza earned fourth for her faultless time of 38.70 seconds aboard In The Air (Air Jordan x Indoctro), a 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare she co-owns with Georgia Kipp, Kristi Mitchem, Mellissa Skowlund and Pernilla Amman. Rounding out the top five was Spencer Smith (USA), who set the early time to beat (39.18 seconds) aboard Gotham Enterprizes LLC’s 14-year-old Holsteiner mare Cassina.
