WELLINGTON, Fla.--Two-time U.S. Olympic team gold medalist Mclain Ward on First Lady won the $62,500, CSI5* 1.50m Speed, dominating the class of 51 entries to win by over two seconds on March 7 at the Winter Equestrian Festival.
McLain Ward on First Lady (Photo by Sportfot)Ward is back at competing at WEF after several weeks off due to injury.
A fall on the grass derby field at Wellington International earlier in the season fractured the facet of one vertebrae and sidelined Ward for rest and recovery.
“I feel great,” said Ward after Friday’s win during his second week back in the International Arena. “The horses are fresh and are coming back nicely. These breaks are always frustrating in the moment, but if you stay focused you’ll sometimes look back and say ‘that worked well.’ Right now we’re all playing catch up to Kent Farrington. He’s really on a roll, so he’s the target in my sights.”
Over Alan Wade’s one round speed course, Ward went early, 12th of 51, and set a time of 57.49 seconds.
The only other two contenders to finish within two minutes of Ward’s leading time were Olympic Champion Ben Maher of Great Britain on Enjeu du Grisien, clean in 59.73,, and Canada’s Erynn Ballard on Ginger ASK, clean in 59.81.
“Alan always is challenging but I think he builds riders’ courses where the horses aren’t confused,” Ward said. “It’s a difficult class because he wants it to be challenging enough. So, he set a lot of short distances where you’re trying to carry speed, which usually results in rails. Lady is handy, she's naturally quick and very adjustable so that played a bit into our hand.”
“She’s been great,” Ward. “She had some great placings to start out the year and two weeks ago had a cheap four in this class on Friday but had the time. Today I couldn’t have asked more from her.”
