McLain Ward won the $50,000 Dutta Corporation Grand Prix at the WEC in Ocala

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26/03/2024

In the main event of the final day of the Ocala Winter Spectacular XII 2024 at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala (WEC), two-time Olympic gold medalist McLain Ward (USA) dominated the leaderboard from start to finish in the category, ultimately winning the $50,000 The Dutta Corporation Grand Prix. It marked the culmination of an incredible week that showcased the second leg of the Longines League of Nations™ CSIO5*.

Ward secured the category riding Quimi del Maset, a ten-year-old Spanish-bred gelding by Quasimodo Z x Indret del Masset, owned by Sport Four USA LLC. The pair set the time to beat at 40.948 seconds, and while other riders attempted to surpass it, none succeeded.

The closest contender was Irish rider Daniel Coyle with Ariel Grange’s Jasper, a ten-year-old KWPN gelding by Falaise de Muze x Gelha’s VDL Emilion, who finished clear in 41.015 seconds. American rider Adrienne Sternlicht on Casanyo PS, a nine-year-old Oldenburg gelding by Casallco x Grand Canyon owned by Starlight Farms 1 LLC, claimed third place in 42.228 seconds without faults.

“My horse has a very wide stride,” Ward said. “So, I know I can make moves that might have been difficult for others. Obviously, especially Erynn (Ballard) and Daniel (Coyle) are very fast, but today it worked out in my favor.”

Ward brought his top horses, Ilex and Callas, to compete in the CSI5*, and then brought two additional horses, Quimi del Maset and Chicago CM, for the national competition. Ward particularly believes that Quimi del Maset is a horse with a “bright future” and “incredible talent.”

“Quimi is a horse with incredible potential,” McLain said. “Unfortunately, he had an injury at the end of last year, but he’s bounced back. We competed for several weeks in Wellington, but I wanted to try a new venue and get some fresh air, and what a great setup there is at WEC – Ocala.”

McLain Ward’s victory with Quimi del Maset at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala was yet another testament to his skills, confirming once again that he is one of the best riders in the world.