McLain Ward (USA) and Catoki owned by Marilla van Beuren, Bob Russell, and McLain Ward, flew to their second victory of the week in the $37,000 Bainbridge Companies 1.45m Classic CSI5* on Friday, March 12, in the International Arena at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.
Topping a field of 53 in the starting order over a speed track set by Alan Wade (IRL), Ward and Catoki, a 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding by Catoki x Cartello B, left all the jumps up to fly across the finish line in 52.33 seconds, nearly three seconds faster than the runner-up.
“He’s been incredible here this year,” said Ward of his winning mount. “He felt great on Wednesday, so I knew he was in good form for today. He’s starting to know when the bell goes [what to do] a little bit in this ring, so it was a little bit out of control I thought. I was a little bit faster than I meant to be, but he’s such a careful horse, I got away with it.”
Erynn Ballard (CAN) put forth a speedy effort in an attempt to catch the winning time, coming close for a second-place finish aboard Ronja, a 10-year-old Swiss Warmblood mare (Conteur x Czandor) owned by Ilan Ferder. The pair stopped the clock in an impressive 55.50 seconds. Rounding out the top three was Patricio Pasquel (MEX) with his own mare Yoga Santa Rosa with a time of 55.87 seconds.
Ward and Catoki already topped the podium during week nine, with victory in the $37,000 Douglas Elliman Real Estate 1.45m CSI5* on Wednesday afternoon.
“We joke that in all of these classes, if you take a pull [on the reins] you’re eighth,” laughed Ward, referencing the quality of competition during this year’s winter circuit. “I had a plan and actually changed it to the second combination. I ended up doing seven strides instead of eight because I got just the right line on the jump before, and it worked out. He’s just such a quick horse that you’re just trying to slow down a little bit at the fence.”
For a horse that is a proven winner with a lot of speed in the ring, his preparation for the show is quite unconventional. Ward doesn’t ride him at home but instead simply turns him out in the paddock for some rest and recuperation.
“Funny enough, at home he’s ‘kick-along quiet’ on the flat if we do ride him,” described Ward. “I could put my daughter on him, actually, so he’s just a real competitor.”
Joining Ward in the International Arena for their winning presentation was co-owner Bob Russell who spoke highly of both the horse and rider.
“There’s nothing any better than watching that little guy,” said Russell, co-owner of the talented gelding. “He’s got such a big heart and tries so hard all the time. He’s just a little guy but he can really go. It’s fantastic to watch them together. McLain is quite a guy as a person, and he’s the best rider.”
Source: Press Release