Monterrey Day 2: Pressure Builds for the Fantasy Team at MLSJ Finals
Key performances begin to shape the final standings in Mexico
The second day of the Major League Show Jumping Finals in Monterrey is fully underway, and as both the voting phase and competitions progress, the combinations and teams likely to leave their mark are becoming increasingly clear. The stage is set at the prestigious Club Hípico La Silla, where tension is rising not only among the athletes in the ring but also among Fantasy Team participants, who must now make increasingly strategic selections.
The early rounds have provided valuable insight into the form of both riders and horses, making mid-event choices more decisive than ever. Among the standout names are those representing Maccabi United, the dominant force of the season.
Among them, Daniel Bluman once again confirmed his exceptional form, playing a crucial role in the team’s overall success. Delivering faultless rounds, he helped secure Maccabi United’s place in the gold medal round and laid the groundwork for the team’s championship victory.
Alongside him, Ilan Bluman partnered with the reliable Acajou, already a podium finisher in the 5* Grand Prix of Greenwich. In Monterrey, the pair delivered another clear round in the second phase, ensuring Maccabi United’s place in the decisive jump-off for gold.
Equally decisive was the performance of Mark Bluman, who, together with Ubiluc, redeemed last week’s result in Kentucky. The pair delivered a flawless round to secure gold in the Final, further cementing the team’s commanding position in the overall standings.
Other teams on the podium also delivered notable performances. Amy Millar, riding Gaiete D’Elle, produced the only double clear for the Archers, helping secure the team’s silver medal thanks to her consistency and composure. For the Trelawny Trailblazers, Lillie Keenan maintained her impressive form with another consecutive double clear, this time aboard Emerlon, earning the team the bronze medal.
Maccabi United’s dominance throughout the fifth season of MLSJ was confirmed in Monterrey, where the team—composed of Daniel Bluman, Ilan Bluman, and Mark Bluman—secured the overall series title. Their success was built on talent, strategy, and strong family ties.
Arriving at the Final with a commanding lead, the three cousins approached the decisive class with determination. After advancing through the qualification round, they faced the Archers in the battle for gold, despite already having mathematically secured the season title.
“We knew going into the last round that we were already the winners overall but still wanted to win the final class of the season,” said Mark Bluman. “Pasquel pulled out a pretty good round. Unfortunately, he had a rail down but was still fast. My strategy was to trust my horse, go as fast as I could without risking too much. In case a rail came down, I was still fast enough to take the win. Ubiluc jumped unbelievably. He’s a horse that owes nothing to any of the family members—every round I get out of him is a plus.”
The team’s success was not only the result of performances in the arena but also of extensive work behind the scenes. “We all share the same passion,” Mark continued. “Dominating is a matter of many things that happened behind the scenes. Our job [as riders] is, I think, the easiest one to do. What happens behind the scenes is what makes these kinds of moments magical.”
Clear rounds from Ilan and Daniel in the second round were instrumental in securing access to the medal match. “One of our main goals of the year was to win the league as a team,” said Daniel. “The reason that we’re here is also because we had incredible teammates. When you look at our roster, you wouldn’t think that we would dominate like we did. But we had consistency, great energy and team dynamic. This is very special for us as a family. Winning is fun, but when you’re winning and having a really good time with friends and family, it’s even more fun.”
For Ilan Bluman, this Final held special significance: “I was waiting for this from the beginning. Our plan was—from the beginning—for me to do the final, and I don’t think I have ever ridden with that amount of pressure. For me to compete with my brother and my cousin, it’s amazing—I have no words. It’s definitely a day to remember.”
Behind Maccabi United, the Archers—led by Patricio Pasquel with Gazelle SM—secured silver alongside teammates Amy Millar and Francisco Goyoaga Mollet. Third place went to the Trelawny Trailblazers, represented by Natalie Dean, Lillie Keenan, and Conor Swail, who finish the season as overall runners-up, followed by the DIHP Roadrunners in third place.
Despite the title already being decided, the final team standings will only be confirmed after Saturday’s Grand Prix, which offers double points and could still reshuffle the podium positions.
For full results and competition details:
https://www.majorleagueshowjumping.com/events/b4328e2b-929b-40f1-b5da-736a75f82039/monterrey-finals/classes/2026_CI_0156_S_S_01_05?correlationId=cd4701df-ed88-49f8-b27f-eea96793cdff-0
Photo credits: © MLSJ / Meraki Creative Group
Source: Major League Show Jumping press release
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