McLain Ward on High Star Hero Victorious in Los Angeles World Cup

McLain Ward Victorious on High Star Hero in Los Angeles World Cup, Likely Sets 2017 Champion Up for Final in Fort Worth

McLain Ward was victorious on High Star Hero in the $400,000 Los Angeles World Cup Event Saturday that likely sets up the 2017 championship winner for the Final at Fort Worth in his homeland in April.

McLain, a six-time Olympian including two gold medals and ranked 11th in the world, rode the 12-year-old gelding to a clear blazing fast jump off time of 33.99 secs.

Germany's Richard Vogel, ranked No. 6, was runner up on the nine-year-old Gangster Montdesir on a time of 34.39 secs. in the same stadium where the 2028 Olympic equestrian competitions will be staged as they were in 1984.

Nina Mallevaey of France on Dynastie de Beaufour, a 12-year-old mare, was third on 34.73 secs. At the age of 25, she is the world's second highest ranked female rider at No. 17.

The American star Laura Kraut placed fourth on Bisquetta, 11-year-old mare. Laura, who recently turned 60, is the top ranked woman in the world in 8th.

The event was organized by Split Rock Jumping that will host the World Cup Finals of jumping and dressage in Texas for the first time April 8-12.

Three qualifying events remain of the seven scheduled for North America. Ireland's Conor Swail leads with 41 points; McLain Ward is 2nd on 36, Laura Kraut 3rd on 33 and Kent Farrington, who placed 6th Saturday, stands 4th on 31 points.

Results:

Place Competitor Nat. 1st Round Time JO Faults Time

1 High Star Hero - McLain Ward USA 74.12 33.99

2 Gangster Montdesir - Richard Vogel GER 75.32/34.39

3 Dynastie de Beaufour - Nina Mallevaey FRA 72.88/34.73

4 Bisquetta - Laura Kraut USA 75.26/36.02

5 Carissimo 25 - Aaron Vale USA 73.3/4 34.54

6 Toulayna - Kent Farrington USA 74.75/4 34.72

7 Casino Calvin - Kyle Timm CAN 74.93/RETIRED

Photo: McLain Ward on High Star Hero at Los Angeles World Cup