Upper Marlboro, United States – October 24, 2026 – The winner of the inaugural $50,000 Ambassador’s Cup Grand Prix CSI 2*, presented by SHF Enterprises Inc. was JJ Torano (USA) riding I Am Inge, the horse that brought him double silver medals at the 2026 FEI North American Youth Championships in August.

Torano and “Inge” thundered around the jump-off course to finish with a winning time of 32.22 seconds. “I came in a little hotter maybe than I wanted to the double combination, but she really soared over ‘A’ and backed up at ‘B’ and went high,” recalled Torano of his jump-off ride. “Then at the next jump we got there a little slow but again, she went high, so I was really happy with her over there. She did a great job with that line.”

Laura Kraut (USA) and Cinnamon, an eight-year-old Anglo-European Sport Horse (AES) stallion by Christian x Clinton owned by Cherry Knoll Farm, Inc., were third in 33.49 seconds. Kraut and Cinnamon took home the championship in the CSI2* division as well, while Torano was reserve champion.

Coming closest to Torano was Daniel Coyle (IRL) riding Nord Face VDL, an eight-year-old Dutch Warmblood (KWPN) gelding by Insider x Tinka’s Boy owned by Ariel Grange, who placed second in a time of 33.37 seconds.

Torano started riding Inge this year for Ilan Ferder. The tall, broad mare’s size belies her speed and handiness.

“Standing next to her she’s a bit of a bigger horse,” he said of the 10-year-old Holsteiner by Uriko x Clearway owned by Ilan Ferder, “and she seems like a slower going horse, but she’s quicker than you might think. She’s been a great horse for me, and I’m thankful to have her because of Ilan. She’s an amazing horse; she’s super quick, competitive, and wants to win as much as I do.

“She’s super sweet on the ground,” he continued. “She’s fun to play with in the stall. She’s very amped up and hot when she comes up to the ring, but at the barn she’s pretty laid back and chill.”

Torano made it a goal to win this class with Inge. “Once I made it to the jump-off, the only goal in mind was to go fast and try to win. It feels nice to end on the win, and she’ll be done for the year after today.”

Final Results – $50,000 Ambassador’s Cup Grand Prix CSI 2*

1) JJ Torano (USA) & I Am Inge – 0 / 0 – 32.22

2) Daniel Coyle (IRL) & Nord Face VDL – 0 / 0 – 33.37

3) Laura Kraut (USA) & Cinnamon – 0 / 0 – 33.49

Source: Press Release from Jump Media for the Washington International Horse Show

Photo: © WIHS / Erin Gilmore Photography