With only fractions of a second separating the top placing, Ward also clinched second aboard Azibantos for Group C, LLC with a jump-off time of 34.740 seconds. Molly Ashe capped the top three with Balous Day Date, owned by Louisburg Farm, in 34.802 seconds over the short track. Ward, of Brewster, NY, has had the ride on HH Best Buy since her six-year old year for breeder Ansgar Holtgers, and remained in the tack after Double H Farm added the Holsteiner mare to their string at the conclusion of the winter season. “We’ve been bringing her along for the last couple years and have always thought she was going places in the sport – she’s a beautiful ride, wonderful type, and careful jumper, but very brave,” said Ward. “To have a horse with that much quality that is kind of a tiger is a nice combination.”
HH Best Buy put her jump to good use with two clear rounds over courses set by Michel Vaillancourt of Aiken, SC, crossing the jump-off timers in 34.688 seconds. “Michel is a great builder and this was a very welcoming first day, which is nice for the horses,” said Ward of the track. “There’s a lot of competition left and today really gave the horses confidence in the ring and on the hills.”
Ward lives only a short drive down the road from Old Salem Farm. The facility continues to impress, he admitted. “It’s in phenomenal shape and the grass felt great today even with a little rain this morning,” he said. “What’s been done here is remarkable. These events are first class.”
