Toronto, Ontario – November 08, 2023 – During the evening session of the Royal Horse Show CSI 4*-W, the star-studded field of riders returned to the Coca-Cola coliseum for the $38,500 McKee Family International Speed Challenge CSI 5*. Fourth to go, three-time U.S. Olympic gold medalist McLain Ward (USA) set the time to beat at 59.10 seconds and ultimately could not be caught, running away with the victory with First Lady, a 10-year-old Oldenburg mare (Don Diarado x Lordanos) owned by Robin Parsky. Like Farrington, Ward was also a member of the U.S. team that scored gold at the 2023 Pan American Games before earning an individual bronze medal and has now raced right into another successful week at The Royal.
Jessica Mendoza (GBR) claimed second-place honours with a time of 62.04 seconds aboard I-Cap CL Z, the 11-year-old Zangersheide gelding (I M Special de Muze x Air Jordan) she owns in partnership with Sarah Mendoza.
Rene Dittmer (GER) once again finished in third, this time with Corsica X, the 10-year-old Holsteiner mare (Connor x Corofino II) owned by Equestrix Agency BVBA, stopping the clock at 62.54 seconds.
Final Results – $38,500 McKee Family International Speed Challenge CSI 5*
1) McLain Ward (USA) & First Lady – 0 – 59.10
2) Jessica Mendoza (GBR) & I-Cap CL Z– 0 – 62.04
3) Rene Dittmer (GER) & Corsica X – 0 – 62.54
Source: Press Release (edited) from Jump Media for The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
Photo: © Ben Radvanyi Photography
Categories: English
