McLain Ward Claims Statement Victory at Longines FEI Jumping World Cup in Los Angeles
American showjumping legend McLain Ward delivered an emphatic performance at Santa Anita Park on Saturday night, capturing the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Los Angeles with High Star Hero in what marked the biggest victory of their partnership.
Ward and the 12-year-old sBs gelding dominated a competitive seven-horse jump-off, stopping the clock at 33.99 seconds to claim top honours. Richard Vogel (GER) finished second aboard Gangster Montdesir with a time of 34.39 seconds, whilst Nina Mallevaey (FRA) and Dynastie de Beaufor rounded out the podium in 34.73 seconds.
Breaking Through After Early Season Struggles
The victory was particularly sweet for Ward, who had endured a frustrating start to the North American League season. His top horse, Imperial HBF, was sidelined through injury shortly before the season began, forcing the American rider to rely on less experienced partners.
Ward’s struggles included what he described as “four fault-itis” in Traverse City before a single time fault prevented him from reaching the jump-off at Washington. The emotion was palpable as he punched his fist in the air following his near-flawless jump-off round in Los Angeles.
“Sometimes we rally, and this horse has stepped up. He’s been…knocking on the door, and I’m really thrilled for him to get a win for our whole team,” Ward said.
Olympic Venue Sets Stage for Thrilling Competition
The Santa Anita Park venue, which hosted equestrian sport at the 1984 Olympic Games, is set to host Olympic competition again in 2028. Course designer Anderson Lima (MEX) set a big and technical showjumping track ahead of his appointment as course designer for the 2026 World Cup Finals in Fort Worth (USA).
Vogel was the first to crack the code to a clear round, 15 riders into the class. In the jump-off, he put immediate pressure on his competitors with a sharp clear effort aboard 9-year-old Gangster Montdesir, who impressed in his World Cup debut.
The German rider, who has spent the last two seasons commuting between Europe and North America, has established a stateside base with Ward. The two athletes have developed a close working relationship.
“I would not even call it a trainer or student situation; I would call it a very tight friendship. He’s sure a great mentor of mine and [has] taught me a lot of things,” Vogel expressed. “It was great sport tonight, and I’m happy for him. Unfortunately, I was too slow, and next time I’ll try to swap it up.”
Ward’s Winning Strategy
Vogel’s time held up through four riders, as Laura Kraut (USA) fell short on time, whilst Aaron Vale (USA), Kent Farrington (USA), and Kyle Timm (CAN) had rails fall in their pursuit of the top spot.
Ward set himself apart by leaving out a stride between the jump-off’s first two fences and turning back particularly quickly to the vertical three fences from home.
“My horse has a bigger stride, so I was able to get the eight [strides], but the eight was fast,” Ward shared. “The third jump showed up a little wild, but the horse gave a great effort. I think I got the gold vertical across the middle great on the first stride, and he shifted right, which allowed me to keep coming to the [eight-strided line].”
Last to go, Mallevaey—the world’s top ranked U25 rider—gave great chase but could not quite catch the top two. Dynastie de Beaufor gave Mallevaey her first five-star Grand Prix victory in August and has helped the 25-year-old earn a place amongst the top 20 jumping athletes in the world.
“I think I’m just surrounded by amazing people and horses and that gives me a lot of confidence,” Mallevaey said. “I’m really grateful to be here right now. I’ve been watching McLain since I was a kid, so to be a part of this now is a dream.”
Building a Championship Partnership
Ward has been partnered with High Star Hero since last summer. Whilst the pair found near-immediate success, the horse has also required patience with his sensitivity. Ward compared the gelding’s rise to one of his championship partners, Rothchild.
“Hero is a very talented horse—very careful, very sensitive,” Ward explained. “I remember back to the days of Rothchild: I said, ‘This is our best horse [right now], and he has a lot of good qualities, and we’re going to have him dig in here, and he’s risen to the challenge.'”
North American League Standings
Conor Swail (IRL) added a few more points to his North American League tally, finishing in the top 12 with 9-year-old Cloterm Obolensky. He continues to lead the standings with 41 points.
Ward moved into second place with 36 points, followed by Laura Kraut (USA) with 33 points. The NAL resumes in the New Year at Thermal (USA) on 31st January 2026.