McLain Ward & Hialita B Make Their First Outing Count in the $62,500 Horseflight American Gold Cup Grand Prix CSI 2*

By Jumper News USA on September 20, 2026

Traverse City, United States – September 19, 2026 – Two familiar names teamed up on Saturday to contend the $62,500 Horseflight American Gold Cup Grand Prix CSI 2*, and it seems to be the start of a promising partnership. Mclain Ward (USA) and Hialita B, owned by Mike Smith, were one of nine pairs to contend Alan Wade’s (IRL) jump-off, and it wasn’t particularly surprising to see them already off to a blazing start, taking the win and making many excited for the future.

“This is actually my first show with this mare of Mike Smith’s,” Ward said following the win. “She’s been a top horse with Thaisa Erwin (AUS) the past several years at the highest levels of the sport, and was the alternate for the Australian team at the World Championships in Aachen. I took over the ride about a week ago. We did a couple small classes and I’m excited about the future with her.”

Around the short course, Ward put his trust in the 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare (Emerald x Vaillant). “She knows her game so I knew I could trust her and she’s a naturally very fast horse. Even though we’re inexperienced, I know what her experience is.”

Up against fellow top names paired with newer partners, Ward rode to a time of 36.09 seconds. Fellow Olympian Erynn Ballard (CAN) came the closest to their time, clocking in at 36.31 seconds with Ravallo van de Helle, ultimately taking second.

Ariana Marnell (USA) was third with Dagny, another impressively fast double-clear performance.

This was just the start for Ward and Hialita B, with the partnership continuing to build from here.

“She’s actually going to do the five-star in Greenwich next week, not the Grand Prix but she’ll show in other classes,” he shared. “We’ll keep building the relationship and see where it goes.”

Owner Smith echoed his excitement seeing Ward pilot Hialita B and looks forward to what their partnership can produce.

“I’m all about [the U.S. Equestrian Team],” Smith noted. “McLain and I have been friends for a long time and we’re having a lot of fun together. I knew this horse would shine and do great things under him. This was the plan and we’re going to see what he can do. I’m so happy for the horse; she deserves a win.”

“I feel glad to be part of the team,” he continued. “McLain is a great person, a good friend, and such a fabulous rider. Whenever I go in the ring I try to think, ‘What would McLain do and how would he look doing it?’”

Hialita B could be a contender for classes like the American Gold Cup in upcoming years for Ward, who is still eager to add a win in the prestigious class to his résumé.

“I’m feeling good,” Ward said of his preparation for Sunday’s event. “I have a great entry in Jordan Molga, also owned by Mike, and it’s one of two classes in the world that’s eluded me in my career — the Gold Cup and the Grand Prix of Aachen — so hopefully we can change that.”