Michael Duffy, hailing from Ireland, emerged as the champion of Miami Beach. Riding Claptonn Mouche (Conrad), Duffy delivered a flawless performance, navigating the demanding 1.60m course faultlessly. His exceptional ride secured him the top spot amidst a field of talented competitors, showcasing his skill and partnership with his remarkable horse.
Only nine out of nearly forty combinations were able to complete the 1.60m high course designed by C.D. Peter Grant without faults.
The undisputed winner was Michael Duffy (IRL). The Irishman was the only one to navigate the finish line flawlessly aboard Claptonn Mouche (Conrad) with a time of 43.60 seconds. Max Kühner (AUT), paired with EIC Cooley Jump the Q (Pacino), clocked the fastest time at 41.59 seconds but a jumping fault relegated them to second place. The podium was completed by France's Julien Anquetin (FRA), who guided Blood Diamond du Pont (Diamant de Semilly) across the finish line in 42.14 seconds but incurred a rail down penalty.
Eduardo Alvarez Aznar (ESP) with a time of 43.39 seconds was also faster on the clock than the winning pair, riding Rokfeller de Pleville Bois Margot (L'Arc de Triomphe), but settled for fourth place. The top five was rounded out by Malin Baryard-Johnsson (SWE) and H&M Indiana (Kashmir van Schuttershof).
Michael Duffy, the Champion of Miami Beach, struggled to articulate the depth of his feelings after years of dedication. He acknowledged the challenges he's faced and the intense effort he's invested in his pursuits. Duffy praised his mount, Clapton, recognizing the horse's remarkable talent, expressing eternal gratitude for the opportunity to ride such a magnificent animal.
Looking ahead, Duffy shared his long-standing goal of emulating the top riders he has admired for the past decade. His focus is set on advancing towards the playoffs in Riyadh. The dedication and support behind the scenes were not lost on Duffy, who acknowledged the backing of his team and owners, and the enduring memory of a dear friend lost in a tragic accident many years ago, to whom he dedicated his recent victory. Duffy also alluded to the upcoming challenge in Mexico, where he intends to compete on Thursday, emphasizing the importance of rest and recuperation for both himself and his horses.
Reflecting on the event, Max Kühner noted the exceptional speed of his horse, Cooley, highlighting the potential for victory in a class like this. Despite a minor hiccup during the round, Kühner emphasized the sensitivity of his horse, explaining that a tight turn led to the fault, which Cooley might remember for future rides.
Julien Anquetin experienced a thrilling first-time achievement in America, stepping onto the podium for the first time. Reflecting on his performance, he humorously mentioned that his horse tends to be faultless, though not always in the tense moments of the final round. Expressing his elation and emotion, Anquetin shared, "I am incredibly happy."
Eduardo Alvarez Aznar takes the lead in the standings
In the ranking update, Aznar emerged as the new leader, with Kukuk securing a position in the top three. Duffy's recent success catapulted him into the fourth spot, while Said, absent from this event, relinquished his position. Simon Delestre also made significant gains in the standings.