Ward and new partner Hialita B win the $62,500 Horseflight American Gold Cup CSI2* Grand Prix, while Daniel Bluman and Gemma W add another five-star victory to their Traverse City season
Two familiar names teamed up on Saturday to contend the $62,500 Horseflight American Gold Cup CSI2* Grand Prix, and it seems to be the start of a promising partnership. Mclain Ward (USA) and Hialita B, owned by Mike Smith, were one of nine pairs to contend Alan Wade’s (IRL) jump-off, and it wasn’t particularly surprising to see them already off to a blazing start, taking the win and making many excited for the future.
“This is actually my first show with this mare of Mike Smith’s,” Ward said following the win. “She’s been a top horse with Thaisa Erwin (AUS) the past several years at the highest levels of the sport, and was the alternate for the Australian team at the World Championships in Aachen. I took over the ride about a week ago. We did a couple small classes and I’m excited about the future with her.”
Around the short course, Ward put his trust in the 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare (Emerald x Vaillant). “She knows her game so I knew I could trust her and she’s a naturally very fast horse. Even though we’re inexperienced, I know what her experience is.”
Up against fellow top names paired with newer partners, Ward rode to a time of 36.09 seconds. Fellow Olympian Erynn Ballard (CAN) came closest to their time, clocking in at 36.31 seconds with Ravallo van de Helle, ultimately taking second. Ariana Marnell (USA) was third with Dagny, another impressively fast double-clear performance.
This was just the start for Ward and Hialita B, with the partnership continuing to build from here.
“She’s actually going to do the five-star in Greenwich next week, not the Grand Prix but she’ll show in other classes,” he shared. “We’ll keep building the relationship and see where it goes.”
Owner Smith echoed his excitement seeing Ward pilot Hialita B and looks forward to what their partnership can produce.
“I’m all about [the U.S. Equestrian Team],” Smith noted. “McLain and I have been friends for a long time and we’re having a lot of fun together. I knew this horse would shine and do great things under him. This was the plan and we’re going to see what he can do. I’m so happy for the horse; she deserves a win.”
“I feel glad to be part of the team,” he continued. “McLain is a great person, a good friend, and such a fabulous rider. Whenever I go in the ring I try to think, ‘What would McLain do and how would he look doing it?’”
Hialita B could be a contender for classes like the American Gold Cup in upcoming years for Ward, who is still eager to add a win in the prestigious class to his résumé.
“I’m feeling good,” Ward said of his preparation for Sunday’s event. “I have a great entry in Jordan Molga, also owned by Mike, and it’s one of two classes in the world that’s eluded me in my career — the Gold Cup and the Grand Prix of Aachen — so hopefully we can change that.”
Daniel Bluman and Gemma W Add One More Win in $62,500 American Gold Cup CSI5*-W Winning Round
A veteran partnership shined earlier Saturday In the $62,500 American Gold Cup CSI5*-W Winning Round, as Daniel Bluman (ISR) took the win aboard Gemma W. In the unique format, Bluman produced a clear round over the initial track, not yet certain that would be enough, since only the top 10 return to jump off.
Fortunately, his time in round one was quick enough to secure his spot, and he made his chance count as he piloted the 15-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare (Luidam x Unaniem) to a winning time of 31.81 seconds.
“For the jump-off I really know the horse I’m riding and how special she is,” Bluman reflected. “I know that when she can go at her best speed she’s the one to beat. All I wanted to do was the same thing I told Daniel Coyle (IRL) right in front of me, and I beat him by a fraction. It went my way today but it could’ve been his way.”
Coyle and Calippo 57 clocked in at 31.84 seconds, putting him just narrowly in second place as the class drew to a close. Christian Kukuk (GER) and HK Carrera finished in third.
“Every time you have a class with so many great riders and horses you want to get competitive,” Bluman said of how the caliber of competitor inspires him to do better. “Gemma jumped just one class last week and won it and she jumped only this class this week and won it too. She had an amazing couple weeks here.”
Looking ahead to Sunday, Bluman is taking a different approach than usual, knowing it’s time to step up a younger mount and teach her how to jump a major five-star grand prix course.
“Tomorrow we’re with Malina who’s 9 years old,” Bluman said of his ride for the American Gold Cup. “It’s her first ever World Cup Qualifier and second ever 1.60m class. It’s really more for the experience and to keep building her up. But already with this win we can be very happy with the week we’re having so far. It’s always great to be here in Traverse City and delighted that Gemma takes one more win for her tally.”
Bluman is not results-oriented for Sunday’s game plan, but he still hopes for some of the best jumping on display in North America.
“It’s going to be an incredible day of jumping, the Gold Cup always is,” he noted. “You’re going to see some of the best horses in the world competing so I think it’s going to be a great class. On my end I hope it’s a great experience for my horse and I get to enjoy a beautiful grand prix day.”
All eyes turn to Sunday as the 2026 Traverse City season reaches its grand finale with the $340,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ CSI5*-W Traverse City for the American Gold Cup presented by Frank & Eileen. The world-class field will take on Alan Wade’s final course of the season, with World Cup points and one of the sport’s most historic trophies on the line. A two-hour highlights program of Sunday’s grand prix will air on CBS Sports Network Thursday, September 24, from 8–10 PM ET, with an encore Sunday, September 27, from 10 AM–12 PM ET.
Fans and competitors can view full schedules, results, and live updates through the Traverse City Horse Shows Mobile App and HippoData for FEI results.
