Mclain Ward, born 17 October 1975, has competed in three editions of the Rolex IJRC Top Ten Final (6th in 2010, 3rd in 2018 and 4th in 2022). He would have competed last year, but his simultaneous commitment to the Pan American Games prevented him from doing so.
McLain began riding after being encouraged to take up the sport by his parents, who were professionals in the industry. In 1990, aged 14, he became the youngest rider to win the United States Equestrian Federation Show Jumping Derby. Ten weeks later, he became the youngest rider to win the USET Medal Finals, the first and youngest to win both titles in the same year. This early success led to him being given the nickname of 'The Kid'.
McLain's father, Barney, competed in and won the Grand Prix of Devon in 1982. 20 years later, his son won the same competition in 2002.
© Tomas Holcbecher - Mclain Ward & HH Azur
McLain's most memorable career moments include winning the World Cup Final on HH Azur (pictured above) and the Spruce Meadows Masters on Sapphire. HH Azur couldn’t have a better end to her career than finishing on top of two Grand Slam Majors: the Rolex CSI5* GP at Geneva in December 2022 and the Rolex CSI5* GP at the Dutch Masters in 2023. HH Azur retired in the summer of 2023 and is now enjoying paddock life in Belgium where her co-owner François Mathy has a fantastic facility and team to look after her.
Which horse will you ride in the top ten and why?
«I will be riding Ilex in the Rolex IJRC Top Ten Final. He was my partner this year winning a silver medal at the Paris Olympics».
