Traverse City, Michigan, USA – September 14, 2024 – McLain Ward (USA) celebrated another podium finish on Friday, finishing second with First Lady in the $63,000 Winning Round CSI 5*-W, during the second of three weeks at the Traverse City Tournament of Champions. Highlighted by Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ North American League qualifying events, the Tournament of Champions concludes a 13-week season at Traverse City Horse Shows.

Fresh off an appearance at the Paris Olympics, Ward entered the Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel International Ring at Flintfields Horse Park as one of 39 to contest Alan Wade’s (IRL) two-round track.

One of ten to return for the deciding second round, the Daniel Bluman (ISR) & Gemma W, his 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare (Luidam x Unaniem) owned by Blue Star Investments and Over The Top Stables. Gemma W stretched across the final timers in 32.91 seconds to top Thursday’s Speed CSI 5*-W victors, McLain Ward (USA) and First Lady. 

Ward and the 11-year-old Oldenburg mare (Don Diarado x Lordanos), owned by Robin Parsky, stopped the clock at 33.49 seconds to hold on for second.

Fellow U.S. rider Alise Oken (USA) piloted Bonhomme Richard, a 13-year-old Selle Français stallion (Catoki x Quaprice Bois Margot), owned by Hi Hopes Farm, to third in 35.90 seconds.

Final Results – $63,000 Winning Round CSI 5*-W

1) Daniel Bluman (ISR) & Gemma W – 0 / 0 – 32.91

2) McLain Ward (USA) & First Lady – 0 / 0 – 33.49

3) Alise Oken (USA) & Bonhomme Richard – 0 / 0 – 35.90

Source: Press Release from Traverse City Horse Shows

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

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