Out of a field of 29 entries, Adrienne Sternlicht (USA) stood at the top after a fast jump-off round in 37.178 seconds riding Just A Gamble. Eleven advanced to the jump-off over a course set by Eric Hasbrouck of the United States. Coming in second place was Mario Deslauriers (CAN) on Amsterdam 27 (Catoki x Acord II) in 37.202 seconds, while Jonathan McCrea (USA) and Aristoteles V (Padinus x Lux) took third place with a time of 37.748 seconds.

This was the first week of competition for Sternlicht and her new horse, Just A Gamble, who arrived in Florida in December, and they have since spent time getting to know each other.

“[It] was really not doing too much flatwork because she’s super hot,” said Sternlicht of the 10-year-old BWP mare by Toulon x Corofino. “We’ve put her on what we call the ‘Rothchild Program’, which is a lot of walk/trot work, a lot of trail riding, trying to get her to settle a bit. It’s almost better if she’s more unfit than fit. Even with her build and technique, she’s a powerhouse behind, she has all the scope in the world. It’s about keeping her mentally calm.

“She’s a really amazing mare and has a really great brain,” she continued. “I felt really comfortable on her. My plan for circuit is to still just take it week by week with her. She’s also green at the highest level. Our plans fell nicely into place because her rider didn’t veer off course.”

This was the pair’s first jump-off together, and they went third in the jump-off with plans to be neat and stick to the plan, which paid off with the victory.

“She’s probably the naturally quickest horse I’ve ever had; I just have to think ‘turn,’” said the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games team gold medalist. “She’s very quick across the ground; she doesn’t spend a ton of time in the air. I’d say I followed the plan for the most part. It’s my tendency to overcontrol or add as a rider, so it was nice to feel off the bat that comfort level of going with her. Around the turn to the third fence, I would have liked to be a bit smoother, but I think as I get to know her, we’ll get to iron out the kinks.”