LEIPZIG, Germany--McLain Ward and Contagious lead the U.S. contingent of eight riders following the first day of competition at the FEI Jumping World Cup Final in Leipzig, Germany.
McLain Ward on ContagiousWard will move forward to Friday’s competition in fifth place overall following a faults-converted score of 67.94, while Hunter Holloway and Pepita Con Spita also sit in the top10 following a strong performance in their championship debut.
The speed track, designed by Frank Rothenberger (of Germany, proved challenging, but fair, in the narrow arena in the Leipzig Messe.
Ward, coming off his team silver medal with Contagious at the Tokyo Olympic Games, is looking for a strong podium finish in his 19th FEI Jumping World Cup Final appearance.
Ward of Brewster, N.Y., was the fastest of the day, but a single rail in the faults converted format had him at 67.94 seconds, to place fifth behind Martin Fuchsof Switzerland, Max Kühnerof Austria, Conor Swail of Ireland, and David Will of Germany.
“I THOUGHT Contagious performed brilliantly," said Ward. "He was right there for me, and I got a better jump into the line than I had expected and tried to be a little careful not to get to the next fence too early and added a stride, which was a foolish mistake, but we’re still in the mix and I’m really happy with his performance. It’s a challenge and it’s a championship, so you have to perform. The courses are going to get bigger and harder, and I hope that we can stay close with that mistake and continue to perform well.”
Holloway of Topeka, Kan., on Pepita Con Spita, added justone rail down to his time of 65.65, for a final score of 68.65 seconds for eighth place overall.
“I’m really proud of my horse," said Holloway. "We had a little mistake at the triple bar, but I thought the course suited her very well and I’m looking forward to the rest of the weekend. She felt great and there’s a lot left in the tank, so I’m pleased with where we’re sitting since our aim was to be inside of the top ten after the first day.”
