The Longines Masters of New York is in full swing this weekend with a full load of classes all leading up to the main event this Saturday: the Riders Masters Cup. For more information on how this battle royale plays out, click HERE. Check out who will be dueling it out this weekend below!
Photo courtesy of EEM
The first pair on the docket includes legends from both Europe and the US. Riding for Europe is Kevin Staut, who brings over 90 career wins to the table, including being part of the Olympic team to win the gold medal in the 2016 Rio Olympics. Staut currently holds the fourth place spot in the worldwide Longines rankings.
Representing the US is none other than equestrian icon McLain Ward, who had a mad run of success this winter in Wellington. Ward has represented the US in the Olympics on multiple occasions, including when he played a part in winning the team gold in 2008 at Hong Kong. With a string of phenomenal horses at his disposal, we expect Ward to give Staut a run for his money and to look to improve upon his current position as eighth in the worldwide Longines rankings.
From the Netherlands is Harrie Smolders, who currently holds the number two spot in the worldwide rankings. Named the 2017 rider of the year in the Netherlands, Smolders brings a lot of experience to the table. Fresh off of his win at the Global Champions Tour of Shanghai, we anticipate some fierce riding from Smolders at the Riders Masters Cup.
Competing for the United States is Georgina Bloomberg, who helped bring home second for her team at the Miami Beach stop of the Global Champions Tour. Bloomberg spent her winter in Wellington bringing home several podium finishes and we are excited to see what she will deliver in New York this weekend.
Olivier Philippaerts is next up to try and secure yet another win for Europe. This Belgian native stems from a family history rich in show jumping and is currently number 40 in the worldwide Longines rankings.
It’s a battle of the young guns in duel number three as Adrienne Sternlicht steps up to represent the US. Number 82 in the worldwide rankings, Sternlicht was a force to be reckoned with this winter in Wellington and is ready to add a big win to her resume. Will this weekend be her time to shine?
The number 19 rider in the worldwide Longines rankings Gregory Wathelet will be facing one of America’s best in duel number four. He and his impressive gray mare, Coree, have been on fire recently with a win in the LGCT Grand Prix at Shanghai and Wathelet is no stranger to the international stage. He has competed at both the Olympics and the World Equestrian Games over the years.
But Wathelet will have his work cut out for him as he challenges the one and only Beezie Madden. After winning the World Cup Jumping Final in Paris, two Grands Prix in Wellington, and the HITS Ocala $1 Million Dollar Grand Prix, we think it is safe to say that Madden is going to be formidable competition this weekend.
The final rider to go for Europe is number three in the Longines worldwide rankings, Peder Fredricson. Fredricson is an Olympic silver medalist at the 2016 Olympics in Rio and has competed at the World Equestrian Games multiple times. Fredricson has spent the past few months touring across Europe and bringing home several top five finishes.
Representing the US is 2008 Olympic team gold medalist, Laura Kraut. Kraut is number 29 in the Longines worldwide rankings and boasts a resume of impressive finishes, including multiple appearances at the Olympics and World Equestrian Games. After spending some time in Wellington and Miami earlier this year, Kraut has spent the past few weeks competing in Belgium but is ready to return to the states and try to secure the win for her home country.
Be sure to follow along with Jumper Nation updates on the Longines Masters of New York and the Riders Masters Cup.
Go USA and Go Jumping!