McLain Ward wins FEI World Cup Final on his 17th attempt

McLain Ward has won the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Final in Omaha, USA on his 17th attempt.

Emotional victory

The win was even sweeter as he was competing on home turf and McLain couldn’t hold back the emotions when he finally lifted the trophy.

“I’ve been doing this for 25 years or more, and I’ve come so close so many times and one way or another I’ve messed it up,” said McLain. “I’m so grateful for my horses and the people around me like my groom, Lee, who has been with me for 29 years. They all helped me pull this off!”

The double Olympic gold medallist was favourite from the outset and he enjoyed a clear sweep with his brilliant mare HH Azur, who didn’t touch a single pole over the four days, winning all three events.

‘Believed in my horse’

Switzerland’s Romain Duguet, who took the runner-up spot riding TwentyTwo des Biches, was breathing down McLain’s neck to the very end. The 41-year-old knew a pole down would mean a jump-off against Romain, and any more penalties would see the trophy going to his Swiss rival.

“I’ve been in this situation where I’ve cracked, so I took a breath and believed in my horse – and she did it!” McLain said after becoming the 10th American to take the title.

Sweden’s Henrik von Eckermann moved up from sixth to third place after jumping a double clear with Mary Lou.

You can catch highlights from the World Cup Final right here on H&C. FEI World Cup Jumping: Final premieres on Saturday 10 April at 9pm on Sky 253, or you can watch online by subscribing to H&C Play.

FEI World Cup Jumping: Final is sponsored by