Press release from Longines Masters of New York
For the second day in a row, Adrienne Sternlicht stood atop the podium at the Longines Masters of New York. Hot off her win in Thursday’s Masters One EQ Exchange 1.45m riding Fantast, the 2018 World Equestrian Games team gold medalist returned to the NYCB Live coliseum to guide Toulago (Toulon x Carthago Z) to victory in the Masters One Prestige Italia 1.55m.
Saving the best for last, Sternlicht of nearby Greenwich, CT, was the final competitor to challenge the jump-off track set by Germany’s Frank Rothenberger. Knowing exactly what it would take to win, the 25-year-old put her foot on the gas pedal and raced to victory in a time of 33.96 seconds, leaving fellow American Beezie Madden and her mount, Breitling LS (Quintero x Acord II), winners of the 2018 Longines World Cup Final, in second place with a time of 34.17 seconds.
“I have an amazing partnership with my horse,” said Sternlicht of Toulago, her partner of three years. “I think that is a testament not only to my closeness with the horse but also my grooms who shower him with love. He really fights for me as a result of that. He has a heart of gold and anytime he competes like that it makes me really proud. He loves it!”
Stopping the clock in 34.30 seconds, Olivier Philippaerts of Belgium took third riding H&M Cue Channa 42 (Cardento x Robin Z). The pair had enjoyed a win in the Longines Masters series in February, claiming the Hong Kong Jockey Club Trophy 1.50m. Another Belgian competitor, Pieter Clemens, also jumped double clear to place fourth riding Icarus (Querlybet Hero x Skippy II) in a time of 35.41 seconds.