Press release from HITS Hudson Valley, edited by World of Showjumping

The HITS Hudson Valley FEI Jumper Special came to an exciting conclusion on Sunday, June 14, 2026, as international athletes gathered in the Douglas Elliman Grand Prix Stadium for the week’s featured class, the $62,480 CSI2* Grand Prix. The distinct Jumper Special event showcased CSI2* and three tiers of CSI1* competition over four days of action, with horses and riders of varying levels of experience getting their shot at international-level glory.  Ultimately, it was Samuel Hutton (GBR) and WKD Toronto (Tornesch x Carnaval Drum) that claimed the coveted grand prix victory to close out the week in style.

Catsy Cruz (MEX) challenged competitors with a technical first-round track that tested scope, carefulness, and adjustability. Out of the field of 28 starting entries, 14 combinations successfully navigated the course to advance to the jump-off, setting the stage for an exciting race against the clock.

When the dust settled, it was Samuel Hutton aboard WKD Toronto who delivered the winning performance. The pair produced a fault-free jump-off round in a time of 40.010 seconds, securing the lion’s share of the prize money and adding a major victory to their newly minted partnership.

“WKD Toronto is a pretty new ride for me,” said Hutton of Joanne Sloane-Allen’s 13-year-old Irish Sporthorse gelding that was previously campaigned by fellow Great Britain rider Sameh el Dahan through the five-star level. “He’s an experienced horse who has jumped a lot of big classes. I’m really lucky to have him in my string.”

Hutton advanced two horses to the jump-off and found himself in the unique position of trying to beat himself. He set the pace early aboard WKD Toronto before returning as the final rider in the order with Etincelle D’Ellipse (Apache d'Adriers x Galoubet A), that ultimately secured third place.

“It was so cool to finish fast with all the jumps up with WKD Toronto, and it was nice to know Etincelle D’Ellipse is also very fast and I’m just chasing my own time,” he remarked.

For Hutton, who trains out of AS Farms in nearby South Salem, New York, the victory was a fitting way to cap off a successful week at HITS Hudson Valley.

“HITS is a great facility, and there’s been a lot of prize money offered this week,” he expressed. “It’s nice because I was able to bring all of my clients. I’m really proud of our whole team because the results from everyone have been fantastic!” 

Second-place honors went to Friday’s $31,020 CSI2* Welcome winner, Philip McGuane (IRL), who piloted Paso Doble SCF, Evergate Stables LLC’s 11-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare (Diktator van de Boslandhoeve x Cassini I), to a fault-free jump-off in 40.350 seconds. Hutton also rounded out the podium with Etincelle D’Ellipse, AS Farms USA Inc.’s 12-year-old Selle Français mare, stopping the clock in 40.810 seconds for third place.