McLain Ward Claims Victory at Washington International Horse Show
Ward and First Lady Triumph in Qualifier for President’s Cup, Gochman Takes Runner-Up in Thrilling Jump-Off
October 24, 2025 at 1:42 AMBy k.braddick
McLain Ward, six-time Olympian and ranked 10th in the world, rode First Lady to victory in the Washington International Horse Show Welcome Stake Thursday night to qualify for the CSI5* $340,000 President’s Cup.
McLain and the 12-year-old mare completed the jump-off in 33.15 secs. For the first victory since March when the partnership took the CSI5* at Wellington, International.
Fellow American Mimi Gochman on the 10-year-old gelding Inclen BH was just 4/10ths of a second back for runner-up in the jump-off of seven combinations on the 1.55-meter course leading to the World Cup Saturday night.
Great Britain’s Ben Maher, No. 2 in the world, on the 15-year-old Dutch stallion Baltic HB placed third on 34.66 secs., among the top five that were clear in both rounds.
Israel’s Daniel Bluman on the 14-year-old Gemma W was the clear winner of the 1.50-meter Stars and Stripes Speed class in 54.98 secs.
Kaitlin Campbell on Cosm Hesed, an 11-year-old gelding, was second on 56.79 secs. With Brazil’s Rodrigo Pessoa on Corrie 9 third on 57.11 secs.
HERE you can view all information and videos in First Lady's horse profile.
Photo: © Andrew Ryback Photography; McLain Ward on First Lady
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