Traverse City, Michigan, USA – September 19, 2024 –The final week of international sport at the 2024 Traverse City Horse Shows made its grand entrance during the iconic American Gold Cup Week on Thursday as a field of top athletes landed in Northern Michigan. Hot off the heels of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Traverse City the week prior, competitors are once again primed for a week of elite action during Major League Show Jumping (MLSJ), culminating with the coveted American Gold Cup on Sunday.

During opening day, Kristen Vanderveen (USA) captured the first international victory of the week as she led the way in the Special Two-Phase Challenge CSI 2* aboard Bull Run’s Charis. A ‘catch-ride’ for Vanderveen, Charis, owned by VW Sales, is the normal ride of Hunter Holloway (USA). The eight-year-old took the win in 33.24 seconds.

Hunter Holloway (USA) and Contra conquered silver honors while Paul O’Shea (IRL) and Dirty Girl rounded out the top three.

The pinnacle of the season at Flintfields Horse Park, the week features five-star and two-star competition. In addition to the $340,000 American Gold Cup, the schedule also features the $300,000 ClipMyHorse.tv MLSJ Team Competition CSI 5* in the Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel International Ring. Heading into the weekend, action heats up on Friday with the $181,170 CSI5* Cabana Coast Qualifier. 

Final Results – Special Two-Phase Challenge CSI 2*

1) Kristen Vanderveen (USA) & Bull Run’s Charis – 0 / 0 – 33.24

2) Hunter Holloway (USA) & Contra – 0 / 0 – 35.22

3) Paul O’Shea (IRL) & Dirty Girl – 0 / 0 – 36.11

Source: Press Release from Traverse City Horse Shows

Photos: © TCHS / Megan Giese Photography

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• YouTube