NORTH SALEM, N.Y.--Six time U.S. Olympian and World #10 McLain Ward defended his title in the $63,000 New York Welcome Stake on Friday, May 8, this time riding Lestro VD Valckenborg.
McLain Ward on Lestro VD Valkenborg (Photo by SEL Photography)Nine were clean in the 12 horse jump-off from a starting field of 34 over the course set by Alan Wade, with Ward the fastest in 34.65 seconds.
“It’s always nice to win at home, and Lestro is a horse we’ve been very excited about for the last six months,” Ward said. “We acquired him late last summer from an Irish rider named Mark Finnerty, who did a beautiful job producing the horse. We’ve slowly developed as a team over the last six months, and in Florida, I was very optimistic about his future. I think he’s rounding into form. He’s a big horse with a lot of range and blood, so that makes him quick while covering the ground at the same time.
“He’s done for this week, and he’ll do the Grand Prix next week,” he said. “We’ll keep him here in the United States to do Devon, Upperville and Lake Placid, three great, iconic events here. I think it’s the right place for his growth. I have two other horses, Jordan Molga M and High Star Hero, that’ll be leaving for Europe next week and building toward the World Championships.”
EGYPT’S Nayel Nassar placed second in 35.58 seconds on Igor Van De Wittemoere.
Following her victory in Thursday’s $32,000 Two-Phase, McKayla Langmeier placed third in 36.67 seconds on Isidore De Chalusse.
Earlier in the day, 26 entries competed in the $25,000 Old Salem Farm 1.45m Jumper Classic, with Ireland’s Jordan Coyle on Ballyv Blake winning.
As the last to go in the jump-off, Coyle took the class down to the wire, stopping the clock in 29.903 seconds for the win.
Samuel Hutton of Great Britain on Etincelle D’Ellipse finished second in 30.413 seconds with Mark Bluman of Colombia on Genial De B'Neville third in 30.585 seconds.
