Madison Goetzmann Wins Prestigious Masters Two Sam Edelman Grand Prix
In a thrilling finale to the Masters Two division at the inaugural Longines Masters of New York, 17-year-old Madison Goetzmann (USA) displayed talent well beyond her years to win the $35,000 Sam Edelman Grand Prix following a seven-horse jump-off. Riding Prestigious, her 11-year-old Westphalian gelding, Goetzmann of Skaneateles, NY, took every risk in the jump-off before galloping through the timers in 35.55 seconds.
With 1984 World Cup champion Mario Deslauriers (CAN) last to go in the jump-off, the crowd was on the edge of its seat as the two-time Canadian Olympian gave it his best effort aboard Bardolina 2, a nine-year-old Holsteiner mare owned by Wishing Well Farm. It was close, but not close enough, as the pair stopped the clock in 35.70 seconds to finish runner-up. Megan McDermott (USA) rounded out the top three after incurring four faults in the jump-off in a time of 35.42 seconds.
“It’s amazing!” said Goetzmann of her Longines Masters debut. “I wasn’t really sure what to expect but it’s managed so perfectly, it’s a beautiful atmosphere, and the crowds are amazing. I’m really sad that it’s over!”
With top results throughout the Masters Two division, including a win in Saturday’s Mark Cross Trophy riding Curo, Deslauriers, who resides in New York City, was crowned the Stephex Leading Rider. His reward was a one-year lease on a Stephex STX 2 horse van.
Serena Marron Saves the Best for Last!
The Masters Three Devialet Grand Prix 1.15m kicked off the final day of show jumping competition at the Longines Masters of New York with a nail-biting finish for Serena Marron (USA) riding Donar J. Clear rounds were elusive in the opening round until the final two riders, Alexandra Cherubini (USA) riding her 16-year-old Oldenburg gelding, Lando, and Marron aboard her 15-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding both jumped clear to ensure a two-horse jump-off.
First to go in the tie-breaker, Cherubini was going for broke when she ran into trouble at the double combination, forcing her to circle and costing her a total of 13 faults. With some breathing room, Marron was able to incur four faults yet still take the win. Joining Marron and Cherubini on the third step of the podium was fellow American Gabrielle Freund riding No Sunday Sales.
Following four days of intense competition in the Masters Three competition, Summer Paulos (USA) captured the Leading Riding Title with three podium finishes, including two victories. In recognition of the honor, Paulos was presented with a custom Top Jock x Longines Masters Double Door Trunk, Blanket Box, and Saddle Rack.
Save the dates for Season IV:
• Paris: November 29 – December 2, 2018
• Hong Kong: February 15 – 17, 2019
• New York: April 25 – 28, 2019
The Riders Masters Cup Second Season will be back with the second transatlantic duel taking place in Paris on December 1, 2018 and returning to New York April 27, 2019.
If you missed the action, tune into EEM.tv where you can relive the inaugural Longines Masters of New York or watch the highlights on May 7 on RideTV beginning at 3:00 pm ET.