McLlain Ward on Catoki wins again, this time in 1.45m Jumpers at WEF

Details: March 13, 2021; By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla--McLain Ward and Catoki claimed their second victory of the week in the $37,000, 1.45m Classic CSI5* on Friday, March 12 at the Winter Equestrian Festival.

McLain Ward on Catoki Sportfot 31221 McLain Ward on Catoki (Photo by Sportfot)Beating a field of 53 starters over a speed track set by Alan Wade of Ireland, Ward was clean to finish in 52.33 seconds, nearly three seconds faster than the runner-up.

“He’s been incredible here this year,” said Ward Cofatoki. “He felt great on Wednesday, so I knew he was in good form for today. He’s starting to know when the bell goes what to do a little bit in this ring, so it was a little bit out of control I thought. I was a little bit faster than I meant to be, but he’s such a careful horse, I got away with it.”

Erynn Ballard of Canada was second on Ronja, stopping the clock in 55.50 seconds, and third was Patricio Pasquel of Mexico on Yoga Santa Rosa in 55.87 seconds.

Ward had ridden Catoki to win earlier in the week in the $37,0001.45m CSI5* on Wednesday afternoon.

“We joke that in all of these classes, if you take a pull on the reins you’re eighth,” said Ward. “I had a plan and actually changed it to the second combination. I ended up doing seven strides instead of eight because I got just the right line on the jump before, and it worked out. He’s just such a quick horse that you’re just trying to slow down a little bit at the fence.”

FOR A HORSE that is a proven winner with a lot of speed in the ring, his preparation for the show is quite unconventional.

Ward doesn’t ride him at home but instead simply turns him out in the paddock for some rest and recuperation.

“Funny enough, at home he’s ‘kick-along quiet’ on the flat if we do ride him,” described Ward. “I could put my daughter on him, actually, so he’s just a real competitor.”

“There’s nothing any better than watching that little guy,” said Russell, co-owner of Catoki. “He’s got such a big heart and tries so hard all the time. He’s just a little guy but he can really go. It’s fantastic to watch them together. McLain is quite a guy as a person, and he’s the best rider.”