U.S. Riders Take First & Second Place at CSI Greenwich International Show Jumping Competition
Riders from around the world came to Greenwich Polo Grounds on Saturday to compete for winner’s ribbons and more than $300,000. in prize money and in the end two Americans finished in first and second place in this elite event.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery
Five time Olympian and two time gold medal winner McLain Ward from nearby Brewster, NY, grabbed first place astride Lezaro besting five other riders in the jump-off bringing home over $71,000.00. Edged out in second place, also with a no fault run and only 1/10 of a second back was fellow American Devin Ryan who rode Eddie Blue earning the more than $43,000.00 prize. Ward has been a legend in the sport who became the youngest rider in history to win $1,000,000, which he achieved at 24 years of age.A beautiful crisp fall day drew a very large crowd to this second CSI show and were treated to a tremendous display of beauty and grace from these talented riders and magnificent equines from both the U.S. and Canada, Great Britain, Columbia, Egypt and several other countries.
Competing once again in this second CSI Show in Greenwich was top-notch competitor Georgina Bloomberg, daughter of Michael Bloomberg who finished in ninth place.Last year's first place finisher Nayel Nassar did not fare so well this year riding 13-year-old Holsteiner gelding, Coronado finishing in 16th place in the CSI3 Grand Prix with 4 faults. CSI3 level competition challenges horse and rider who must jump fences just over five feet in height.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery
