Saugerties, New York, USA – September 05, 2024 – International show jumping competition during Hits Championship week at Hits Hudson Valley in Saugerties, New York, heated up on Thursday, September 5, 2024. The four-star division highlights an action-packed schedule of hunter and jumper classes, featuring sizeable prize money purses. All eyes were on the Douglas Elliman Grand Prix Stadium for the day’s main event, the $116,050 Core Specialty Insurance Welcome CSI 4*, where Alex Matz (USA) and his veteran partner Cashew CR reigned supreme.
In the star-studded field of 41 horse-and-rider combinations, an even 10 countries were represented including the United States, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Ireland, Israel, Germany, Great Britain, New Zealand, and Sweden. A tight time allowed of 84 seconds proved to be a challenge in Olaf Petersen Jr.’s (GER) first-round track, as three pairs picked up two time penalties each. Fourteen duos, however, did manage to find the clear path to advance to the jump-off. With Germany’s Rene Dittmer electing to save his formidable partner Corsica X for later in the week, that left 13 to race through the short course for the top prize.
“I knew the time was fast, and I knew I had a lot of fast riders behind me, so I had to give it my best shot but not do anything reckless,” explained Matz of his jump-off mindset. “If I did that, then I’d have a good chance.
“Cashew is naturally so fast,” continued Matz of the 16-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Cassini x Quinar Z), owned by Dorothy A. Matz, that he has been partnered with for more than seven years. “I actually did more strides than Abdel [Said], but Cashew has incredible foot speed and he’s so smart. He looks for the next jump, and he understands the game, probably better than most riders. I just try to stay out of his way. He jumped unbelievably, and it’s a great start to the week.”
Matz, who is based out of his Vintage Farm Sales in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, has spent quite a bit of time at the Hits Hudson Valley venue. Now with a win in the 116,050 Core Specialty Insurance Welcome CSI 4*, he and Cashew CR will turn their attention toward the $250,000 Core Specialty Insurance Grand Prix CSI 4* on Saturday, September 7, to end the season on a high note.
“I came to Hits Hudson Valley earlier this summer, and we had a great experience, so we chose to come back,” shared Matz. “It’s great. Hits has made a lot of improvements, and I think it really shows. The jumps are great, and the footing is spectacular. The horses, riders, grooms, everybody seems to really enjoy coming here.”
Four-star action continues Friday, September 6, with the $40,000 Go Rentals Jumper CSI 4*, as competition builds toward the thrilling $250,000 Core Specialty Insurance CSI4* Grand Prix on Saturday, September 7. National classes during Hits Championship week also continue through Sunday, September 8. For complete results, please visit http://www.showmanagementsystem.com.
Final Results – $116,050 Core Specialty Insurance Welcome CSI 4*
1) Alex Matz (USA) & Cashew CR – 0 / 0 – 34.41
2) Abdel Said (BEL) & Bonne Amie – 0 / 0 – 35.52
3) Daniel Bluman (ISR) & Hummer Z – 0 / 0 – 35.65
Source: Press Release from Hits Horse Shows
Photos: © Hits Horse Shows / ESI Photography
Discover more from JUMPER NEWS USA
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Categories: CSI 4*, Hits Horse Shows
JUMPER NEWS USA 