From HITS
Two-time Olympic gold medal winner McLain Ward topped the Saugerties World Cup Qualifier/Pfizer Million Wild Card on 11 September with Sagamore Farm's Rothchild.
The New York native has been on top form recently, winning the $30,000 FEI HITS Welcome Classic on three days earlier, after heading the $250,000 FTI Grand Prix at the Hampton Classic last week with Sapphire.
"It's certainly an unprecedented event and is a great thing for the sport," said McLain of the show. "I am thrilled that the class has drawn some top entries."
Saturday's feature class offered one final spot for the Pfizer Million, held on Sunday. However, McLain was already qualified.
During Saturday's $50,000 FEI World Cup Qualifier, 21 started over Steve Stephens' track and five combinations made the jump-off.
McLain had two through to the jump-off and went first on Grant Road Partners' Antares F, collecting four faults and finishing eventual fourth.
"He is a new horse that has been fantastic for me," said McLain. "He won the Grand Prix in Dublin earlier this year and seems to be right there [in] every class. I am happy with what he has done."
Canadian Olympian John Pearce went next with Son of a Gun going clear in 42.40 seconds.
"Today was the biggest course that he has ever jumped," said John. "I am proud of him."
The USA's Todd Minikus riding his own Little Annie followed and had one down for fifth before fellow American Sear Coulter and Chalan produced a slightly slower clear than John.
McLain and Rothchild were the sole partnership left to challenge John. They produced a clean performance and sprinted through the finish 2 seconds faster than their rivals and claim the win.
For full results click here
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