AMENIA, N.Y.--Spencer Smith on Keeneland was the only rider to go clean over Olympic course designer Gregory Bodo’s jump-off course to win the $181,170, 5* Grand Prix Qualifier on Friday, Oct. 9 at the Highlands Cup, the second week of the Autumn Invitational at Highlands.
Spencer Smith on Keeneland (Photo by Shannon Brinkman)Smith, winner of the 2* Grand Prix at Highlands in 2025, was first to go clean, first to return for the jump-off and the only double-clear in the featured 5* Qualifier, finishing in 35.57.
“In a way, it’s actually a benefit to go first in a jump-off because you can do your round, what you think is best for the horse, and the rest have to follow it,” said Smith, who has ridden Keeneland since 2023. “That’s what I did today; a nice round for him, but forward as a good setup for the grand prix.
“I knew I needed to have them chase me a little bit,” said Smith of the star-studded list of riders to follow him, which included the likes of six-time U.S. Olympian Mclain Ward and reigning Olympic champion Christian Kukuk of Germany. “If they felt that they could ease off the gas, then they would have all jumped clear.”
WARD on First Lady, current world no. 7, was two seconds faster, 33.71, than Smith, but had a rail down to place second,and Kukuk on HK Carrera had four faults in 34.34 seconds for third.
Smith's career with Keeneland includes two winning nations cup appearances—Dublin in 2024 and Falsterbo in 2025.
“He’s a really great horse, and we’ve jumped all over the world together," said Smith. “We’ve been working on it, so It’s nice to get him going a little quicker with every round. A little victory gallop today gets him excited for Sunday!”
