Conor Swail (IRL) and Juan Bautista Pidutti Hortas (ARG) finished second and third, respectively, with 4 faults each. Swail and Casturano crossed the timers in 80.77 seconds, while Pidutti Hortas finished in 80.94 seconds with Ninvaro PS.

“I thought [my horse] had a good chance [to win], but I thought there would be a jump-off with at least four horses. It’s not often that you win a class without having to go fast in the jump-off, so I’ll take it,” Wordley said. “The horse jumped great, and it was a fantastic class. You couldn’t have asked for better, really.”

Anderson Lima (MEX) set a technical track for the international field, and rails fell throughout, challenging up-and-coming combinations and veterans alike. A related distance of fences with water trays; a delicate white plank, which fell for Swail; and a narrow vertical two fences from home proved to be particularly challenging.

“Anderson never builds a soft course, but I must say, it was fair. Even if there are a few mistakes (made by riders), the horses are being educated,” Swail said. “There probably should have been three or four clears today if a couple of us had a bit more luck.”

The sixth rider through the gates, Wordley rode a flawless track to finish the course without fault. But one by one after him, the course’s difficultly became increasingly apparent. Pidutti Hortas was met with heartbreak as he dropped the back rail of the final oxer before, last to go, Nicolas Pizarro (MEX) also dropped the last fence with Chou Fleur Ra.

“There were very good riders and very good horses in this class,” Pidutti Hortas said. “Anderson is a very good course designer. Yes, the course was difficult, but [at this level], it’s always difficult.”

For Wordley, victory was worth the wait. The Ocala (USA) based professional had aspirations to compete in Mexico for several years, but unforeseen circumstances repeatedly halted his trip. On the third attempt, plans came together, and Wordley made the journey with his wife and fellow competitor Lauren Balcomb (AUS), along with their two young children.

“I’ve been trying to come here for three years now. I had a little injury with a horse three years ago and we couldn’t come, and last year the border was shut, so we couldn’t come,” Wordley shared. “Finally, we’re here, and it’s great. We’re so excited to be here.”

Wordley’s partnership with Brin d’Or has also required patience. The pair teamed up four years ago, but the “sharp” gelding took figuring out. Despite the length of their partnership, Saturday’s competition marked their first at the 1.60m height of World Cup competition.

“I’ve had him since he was eight years old. I’ve had to take my time with him, because he is so careful. [He had to learn] to trust himself at the bigger jumps,” Wordley shared. “He felt really confident today, like a lion.”

Wordley now sits atop the North American League standings alongside Beat Mändli, with 20 points apiece. Swail (IRL) and Shane Sweetnam (IRL) sit adjoint third with 17 points.

The NAL makes its next stop at Washington (USA) on 24 October 2026.

FULL RESULTS