Thursday night at the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair once again belonged to the “King of Devon” McLain Ward of Brewster, New York, who surpassed 31 contenders to claim the $250,000 Sapphire Grand Prix of Devon CSI4* for a record tenth time in his career. Ward rode the 11-year-old Oldenburg mare, Clinta, owned by Sagamore Farms, around the famed Dixon Oval in front of a packed crowd, consisting of diehard show jumping fans to Pennsylvania locals, hoping to witness some of the greatest names in the sport of show jumping go head-to-head for the most coveted trophy in the Devon collection: the Celeste McNeal Harper Perpetual Trophy.
McLain Ward and Clinta. Photo by Phelps Sports
Winning at Devon has always been very special for Ward, especially since the grand prix is named after his legendary Olympic mount Sapphire, who died in 2014 due to complications from colic and who he also won the prestigious class with two times in 2007 and 2009. Even after claiming the title time and time again, Thursday’s tenth grand prix victory marked an incredible milestone in Devon Horse Show history.
Brazil’s Guilherme Jorge built a technical first round course consisting of 13 obstacles, where five were able to produce clear rounds to ensure a jump-off.
“I thought the course was excellent,” said Ward of Jorge’s track Thursday night. “This show, this event, has really taken itself to a new level. The hard work of the organizers, the committees, the sponsors and, of course, the community has reinvented Devon to be a world-class show jumping event. The caliber of riders here reflects that. Every class is full of top riders and horses. People are bringing their best horses here and trying to win. It was a challenging course and I think that four to six clear in a major grand prix is how it should be.”
Kicking off the tiebreaker was 25-year-old Adrienne Sternlicht (USA), who is also trained by Ward, aboard Starlight Farms 1 LLC’s Cristalline. They cleared the short course and set the standard to beat at 40.20 seconds.
Adrienne Sternlicht and Cristalline. Photo by Phelps Sports
Ward and Clinta entered through the iconic blue “Where Champions Meet” archway as third in the order, going all out and and clearing the final oxer in a blazing 36.91 seconds for the lead as the crowd erupted with applause and cheers.
Ward got the ride on the talented mare at the end of March and the pair made their debut together in Wellington, Florida, shortly after. After getting accustomed to each other, the pair ended their winter season on a high note winning the $50,000 CP 1.50m National Grand Prix at the Winter Equestrian Festival.
McLain Ward and Clinta. Photo by The Book LLC
They kicked off their spring competition schedule earning the $382,800 Longines Grand Prix of New York CSI5* at the inaugural Longines Masters of New York before heading to Old Salem Farm in North Salem, New York, and claiming the $35,000 Welcome Stake of North Salem CSI3* and then a second place finish in the $131,000 Empire State Grand Prix CSI3* during the second week of the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows.
“Clinta has been incredible,” Ward shared following their win. “It took me a long time to get her purchased and I’m very grateful to the Sweeneys for purchasing her for me to ride and compete. I think with HH Azur, and some of our supporting cast, it really is as strong of a one-two punch as you can have in this sport. The way the sport is now with so many major events and big championships, I’m really trying to manage each horse’s career for the best long-term health of the athlete. I’m very excited about Clinta, and of course I feel so lucky to have Azur for the championships coming this season. I’m very blessed to have the support of the Harrisons and the Sweeneys. This horse is also part owned by my god mother, Susan Heller.”
Devin Ryan and Eddie Blue. Photo by Phelps Sports
Competing for the first time at the Devon Horse Show since their second place finish in Paris at the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final in April, Devin Ryan (USA) and LL Show Jumpers, LLC’s Eddie Blue finished on a total of 8 faults for third place honors in 39.07 seconds, while Sternlicht finished in second place.
As Sternlicht’s teacher, Ward was ecstatic with her second place finish. “For me, it’s very exciting to see what Adrienne is doing. I don’t help a lot of people, but the ones that I do I am very passionate about. To see how Adrienne has stepped up in a different capacity makes me very proud. When I’m warming up for the jump-off and you see people you have supported or directly helped, like Devin [Ryan] or Adrienne, it’s a great feeling.”
“I had many more experienced and incredible riders behind me tonight,” said Sternlicht, “and I have the gift of riding an incredible horse. I tried to trust myself and stick to my plan. I’ve become more and more confident in the jump-off. Tonight I just tried to execute according to McLain’s plan for me.”
McLain Ward and Clinta in the awards presentation. Photo by The Book LLC
To top off an incredible evening, Ward was presented with the McDevitt Style Award and the Richard E. McDevitt Style Perpetual Trophy.
$250,000 Sapphire Grand Prix of Devon CSI4*:
Place / Horse / Rider / Country / Owner / R1 Faults / R2 Faults / Time
1. Clinta / McLain Ward / USA / Sagamore Farms / 0 / 0 / 36.91
2. Cristalline / Adrienne Sternlicht / USA / Starlight Farms / 0 / 0 / 40.20
3. Eddie Blue / Devin Ryan / USA / LI Showjumpers LLC / 0 / 8 / 39.07
4. Chaventyno / Todd Minikus / USA / Legacy Stables LLC / 0 / 8 / 40.02
5. Viva Colombia / Brianne Goutal / USA / Rose Hill Farm / 0 / RET
6. Kahlua / Andy Kocher / USA / Topline Sporthorse International LLC / 1 / 75.04
7. Darko’s Promise / Erynn Ballard / CAN / Kyle Dewar / 4 / 71.24
8. Bokai / Catherine Tyree / USA / Mary Tyree / 4 / 71.30
9. Bacara D’archonfosse / Daniel Bluman / ISR / Over The Top Stables / 71.31
10. Creedance / Kent Farrington / USA / Kent Farrington and RCG Farm / 4 / 71.33
11. Akuna Mattata / Nikki Shahinian-Simpson / USA / Silver Raven Farms / 4 / 71.73
12. Darry Lou / Beezie Madden / USA / Abigail Wexner / 4 / 72.22