Press release from Traverse City Horse Shows

McLain Ward (USA) has not been in Traverse City for long, but he’s already off to a winning start, hoping his luck sticks around for Sunday’s American Gold Cup. Kicking off CSI2* action Friday morning, Ward took top honors in the $37,000 1.45m CSI2* Speed aboard Marilla Van Buren’s speed demon Catoki.

Late to go in the order of 56 entries, Ward piloted the freaky fast 13-year-old Westphalian gelding (Catoki x Caretello B) to a time of 57.75 seconds, too quick to be caught and nearly two seconds faster than any other competitor.

Karl Cook (USA) and E’Special P.S., owned by Signe Otsby, claimed second place honors in 59.56 seconds, while Roberto Teran (COL) took third aboard BP Wakita for Trefoil Farm LLC in 59.76 seconds.

Caktoki and Ward are no strangers to the winner’s circle in speed classes. “He’s a super careful, unbelievable, and fast horse,” Ward said of Catoki. “That’s his job: to cover these shows and try to win these second classes. I always say he pays the entries and the bills for the rest. He’s a blast. He’s always in for a shot and he really does his job well.”

Back in Traverse City for a chance at his first American Gold Cup victory, Ward brought a different string of horses along. “Callas and Ilias have been with the Revers family and Max Amaya for a number of years and I’ve known them well through that connection,” he said of his history with his current string. “Their previous rider, Annable Revers, is now focused on school so I had the opportunity to show them a little and it’s very exciting.”

Prior to one appearance at the Hampton Classic and his win on Friday in Traverse City, Catoki took a lengthy break over the summer to relax and get some sunshine. “He lives in the field at home,” Ward said of Catoki’s leisurely home life.

CSI2* athletes now focus on Saturday’s $37,000 Cabana Coast CSI2* Grand Prix.

1. CATOKI: 2009 WESTF gelding by Catoki x Caretello B
MCLAIN WARD (USA), Marilla Van Buren: 0/57.75

2. E’SPECIAL P.S.: 2009 KWPN mare by Berlin x Caruso
KARL COOK (USA), Signe Otsby: 0/59.56

3. BP WAKITA: 2013 ISH mare by Pacino x Cruising
ROBERTO TERAN (COL), Trefoil Farm LLC: 0/59.76

4. SEXY BEAST: 2013 OS mare by Cabachon x Stakkato
PAUL O’SHEA (IRL), Eye Candy Jumpers: 0/60.84

5. FRASIER: 2010 KWPN gelding by Carambole x Padinus
SAMANTHA SCHAEFER (USA), Bonne Vie LLC: 60.98

6. FASOLE DU SEIGNEUR: 2011 SBS mare by Doremi x Ogano Sitte
CONOR SWAIL (IRL), Hot Horses LLC: 0/61.19

7. IRANDOLE DU FLOT: 2014 SBS mare by Vivaldi du Seigneur x Ogano Sitte
SHANE SWEETNAM (IRL), Sweet Oak Farm: 0/62.14

8. HIGHWAY FBH: 2010 KWPN gelding by Plot Blue x Cornet Obolensky
JACOB POPE (USA), Team Rakowsky Equestrian LLC: 0/63.18

9. STENA: 2013 HOLST mare by Stakkato x Caretino 2
CHARLISE CASAS (USA), Always Faithful Equine LLC: 0/63.29

10. IDEAL: 2012 SWB gelding by Cardento x Cortez
TANNER KOROTKIN (USA), Castlewood Farm Inc. & Sandalwood Farms: 0/63.83

11. ONERMIE VAN HET WEYENSHOF: 2014 BWP mare by Thunder van de Zuuthoeve x Nabab de Reve
GIAVANNA RINALDI (USA), ANdrew Welles LLC: 0/64.17

12. FAIR FIELD: 2010 KWPN gelding by VDL Zirocco Blue x Chin Chin
CALLIE SCHOTT (USA), Southern Arches LLC: 0/64.73