McLain Ward Dominates The 41st Gene Mische American Invitational

April 6th, 2013 – After 3 months of top tier equestrian competition exhibitors from HITS Ocala and the WEF headed to Tampa, FL. to take part in Stadium Jumping Inc’s, Tampa Bay Classic and Tournament of Champions. For several riders, these two back to back weeks were a chance to show a little more before wrapping up the winter circuits in Florida and heading back up north. The well advanced and professional riders also got a chance to put in additional showing prior to bidding Florida farewell, but for these riders, particularly show jumpers, Stadium Jumping offered two very big opportunities. During the Tampa Bay Classic show jumpers were able to participate in the $25,000 Tampa Bay Welcome Stake and the $35,000 Grand Prix of Tampa; the winners of each qualifying for the 2013 Gene Mische American Invitational CSI 3*, an annual event that offers a motivating $200,000 in prize money. The latter of which was eventually won by McLain Ward and Rothchild.

Held under the lights at Raymond James Stadium, home to the NFL’s Buccaneers, the American Invitational, presented by G&C Farm, is a nationally recognized event that attracts thousands of spectators every year. The field is limited to 30 riders and their chosen mounts; the riders are highly experienced and internationally recognized and their horses are seasoned athletes. Competition is steep, the stakes are high and the adrenaline rush of watching is an experience all in its own.

On Saturday, April 6th, the stadium’s lower level was packed with enthusiastic spectators that went completely silent as horses and riders took on the course, designed by Steve Stephens. A Florida native, accomplished international show jumper, and course designer for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, Stephens is no newbie to the sport. His course composed of 14 obstacles, reaching heights of 5’3’’ (1.60 meters) and spreads of 5’6’’ (1.72 meters), was lengthy and included a challenging 3 jump combination towards the end that took many horses and riders prisoner.

But Reed Kessler was not intimidated. Proudly representing the USA she demonstrated confidence and effortlessly maneuvered the course aboard her 12 year old Selle Francais gelding, Mika. If she was nervous, she sure didn’t show it! The duo landed the last fence within the allotted time and clear of jumping faults making them the first to go double clear for the jump off.

Enter the ring seasoned Olympian and international show jumping superstar, McLain Ward, and Raymond James Stadium goes wild with applause as fans cheer on one of the world’s finest equestrian athletes. Rothchild, the 10 year old chestnut gelding owned by Sagamore Farms, had his ears pinned back for most of the round, but was very attentive to Ward’s commands and the duo rode to a double clear set to join Kessler in the jump-off.

The night was filled with “ohs” and “ahs” as faults were announced and riders failed to go clear round after round. Lauren Tisbo and King Kolibri put in great effort and gave the course a shot, but were caught by a rail and took a nerve-racking tumble at the final fence. With no signs of injury the crowd took a sigh of relief and applauded the duo on their efforts. Shortly after, Sharn Wordley and Derly Chin de Muze had a stellar round clear of jumping faults and came close to advancing, but were caught by the clock and received one time fault. Fortunately, luck was on his side as the final nine riders were unable to beat his time; securing Wordley into a well deserved third place.

And so, the jump off became a head to head battle between superstars Reed Kessler and McLain Ward. Being the first to jump off is always tough because there is nothing to compare to and the riders that follow can put in a better round simply by watching how the course rides. As the first to go, Kessler was nothing short of stylish but took more of a conservative approach in her turns and speed, giving her a time of 43.37s. When McLain Ward followed he took tighter turns and really galloped to the final fence, stopping the timers and displaying a time of 42.10s on the scoreboard; the winning time. The crowd was full of cheer as Ward galloped Rothchild around the field and threw his right hand high up in the air claiming victory as the 2013 Gene Mische American Invitational winner.

Congratulations to McLain Ward and all the riders that participated during the winter circuits. We look forward to your return next year.

Photo: McLain Ward & Rothchild over the final fence of the jump-off