Press release from Old Salem Farm, edited by World of Showjumping

Six-time U.S. Olympian and World #10 McLain Ward defended his title in the $63,000 New York Welcome Stake presented by Evergate Stables on Friday, this time claiming top honors with Lestro VD Valckenborg (Stakkato Gold x Animo). He and the 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by E.T.C. Custodian FBO Marta Mattox brought home the win in 34.65 seconds. 

The Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows, one of the premier stops on the nation’s hunter-jumper horse show circuit, offers a full schedule of USEF and FEI events, May 5-10 and May 12-17. The Spring Horse Shows host competitions for riders of all levels and ages, ranging from young children on ponies to Olympic veterans, such as local hero McLain Ward (USA), Daniel Bluman (ISR), Nayel Nassar (EGY) and Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA), aboard their grand prix mounts. Week 1 (May 5-10) is USEF ‘National-6’ rated for hunters and jumpers and designated FEI CSI3*; Week 2 (May 12-17) is USEF ‘Premier-6’ rated and designated FEI CSI4*. 

Thirty-four horse-and-rider combinations representing eight countries presented over Alan Wade’s technical 16-effort, 1.50m course for the New York Welcome Stake. Of the 12 who advanced to the jump-off, nine went double clear, with Ward and Lestro VD Valckenborg putting in the fastest time of 34.65 seconds. 

“It’s always nice to win at home, and Lestro is a horse we’ve been very excited about for the last six months,” Ward said. “We acquired him late last summer from an Irish rider named Mark Finnerty, who did a beautiful job producing the horse. We’ve slowly developed as a team over the last six months, and in Florida, I was very optimistic about his future. I think he’s rounding into form. He’s a big horse with a lot of range and blood, so that makes him quick while covering the ground at the same time. 

“He’s done for this week, and he’ll do the Grand Prix next week,” he continued. “We’ll keep him here in the United States to do Devon, Upperville and Lake Placid – three great, iconic events here. I think it’s the right place for his growth. I have two other horses, Jordan Molga M and High Star Hero, that’ll be leaving for Europe next week and building toward the World Championships.” 

Egypt’s Nayel Nassar secured second place in 35.58 seconds aboard Igor Van De Wittemoere (Cooper van de Heffinck x Orlando), Evergate Stables LLC’s 18-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding. Following her victory in Thursday’s $32,000 Two-Phase, McKayla Langmeier (USA) once again finished on the podium, claiming third in 36.67 seconds with Rafferty Farm LLC’s 8-year-old Warmblood gelding Isidore De Chalusse (Clarimo x Vigo d'Arsouilles).