Traverse City, Michigan, USA – June 07, 2024 – Margie Goldstein-Engle (USA) had a lucky hand at Flintfields Horse Park during opening week of the Traverse City Spring Series, presented by Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel, piloting Jackofhearts to win the $32,000 FreeJump Welcome CSI 3* on Friday. 

Engle and the 12-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding (Heartbeat x Baloubet du Rouet) bested a big jump-off field of seventeen, taking over two seconds off the time to beat with a double-clear trip in 40.25 seconds.

“His strengths are his heart and desire; he wants to be competitive,” said Engle of gentle giant, Jackofhearts. “He’s one of those horses that likes to go fast. I don’t always go that fast with him, but I figured I had nothing to lose today because medium fast was really far down the list. I was late to go, so I thought I’d give it a shot and see how he handled it.”

Ahead of Sunday’s Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel Grand Prix, Engle maximized the gelding’s potential, using his size and speed to conquer the Peter Grant (CAN) designed track. “It was better for him for Sunday to gallop around and try to leave the stride out,” said Engle about an inside turn option in the jump-off track. “For a horse his size, it definitely would not have been quicker. He’s a big horse, so to make that turn inside and still have the momentum is a little bit difficult.” 

Team USA managed to conquer the top two spots as Nikko Ritter (USA) was second with Kandle, finishing on a short-track time of 42.67 seconds.

California-based Mark Kinsella (IRL) finished close behind in third in 43.09 seconds aboard Marquis Le Beau Courally.

Outside of the show arena, Jackofhearts carries a big personality. “He’s a funny horse. You just try and keep him happy,” said Engle, who was presented as winner by Tony Hanley of Tony Hanley Shop. “I do a lot of trail riding although he’s a bit spooky about a lot of things but that’s what makes him careful. He’s aware of everything around him.

“When we got him, we couldn’t even get his head down; I almost had to look to the side to see the jumps,” joked Goldstein-Engle. “I do a lot trying to get him to relax and get him to give through his top line. My husband does the chiropractic work on him, and he’s done an amazing job with him.”

Engle and her team are no strangers to the Traverse City Horse Show, returning for the Spring Series and staying throughout the summer. “I love it here in Traverse City—each year we come here and they’ve made new improvements,” said Engle. “You can’t beat the weather anywhere in the world this time of year and in the summer. Every year you come, there’s another improvement so it’s hard not to keep coming back.”

Show jumping during the opening week of competition at Traverse City Spring Horse Shows, presented by Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel will continue through the weekend, culminating with Sunday’s $120,000 Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel CSI3* Grand Prix.

Final Results – $32,000 FreeJump Welcome CSI 3*

1) Margie Engle (USA) & Jack of Hearts – 0 / 0 – 40.250

2) Nikko Ritter (USA) & Kandle – 0 / 0 – 42.670

3) Mark Kinsella (IRL) & Marquis Le Beau Courally – 0 / 0 – 43.090

Source: Press Release from Traverse City Horse Shows

Photos: © TCH / Andrew Ryback Photography / Megan Giese Photography

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