Press Release: December 7th

Laura Kraut Lifts Coachella Cup

Published

07 DEC 2025

Est. reading time

3 min

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 7, 2025 Contact: media@majorleagueshowjumping.com

Thermal, CA—World No. 7 Laura Kraut claimed the $750,000 5* Coachella Cup, presented by Morrow-Meadows Corporation, aboard Bisquetta during Leg 6 of Major League Show Jumping (MLSJ) at Desert International Horse Park (DIHP) in Thermal, California.

Ireland’s Alan Wade—course designer for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles—set the track that saw 11 pairs advance to the jump-off. The tie-breaking course proved difficult as only six jumped double clear.

“There was not a slow one in the group—it's hard for me to beat this group on a day when I can watch them, but much less go in early,” said Kraut, the no. 1 ranked female rider in the world and U.S. Olympian. “I went as fast as I could, which is normally not nearly fast enough. I thought I would be fifth, maybe fourth, but got a bit lucky and put enough pressure on them that they had to give it a go and mistakes were made.”

Kraut, aboard the 11-year-old Zangersheide mare (Bisquet Balou C x Takashi van Berkenbroek) owned by Cherry Knoll Farm, stopped the clock at 36.27 over the short course to secure the win.

Coming off a win streak on the west coast, six-time U.S. Olympian McLain Ward finished second to Kraut by three hundredths of a second (36.30) riding High Star Hero for owners Michael and Wendy Smith. Less than a second separated the top three—all Americans—with the young phenom Skylar Wireman, 21, finishing third on a time of 36.43 aboard Barclino B, the mount Wireman owns together with Shayne Wireman and Wireman Investment Group.

Of her winning ride, Kraut said, “Over the last year, she has turned into one of the best horses I've ever had. She's careful, brave, quick and lets me tell her what to do, which is nice. I've got a special horse, and I am very lucky every time I get to ride her.”

The Coachella Cup was Kraut’s first MLSJ grand prix win. She and Ward both ride for the DIHP Roadrunners, who host Leg 6 and 7 of MLSJ. “I've not done very many Major League shows because normally I am in Europe. This is the second year I’m on a team and this was great sport tonight. Everything about it; Alan Wade is second to none and the atmosphere was tremendous.

Kraut’s win bumped her into the top 15 in the individual standings. Ward currently sits fifth and Wireman third.

Complete results from the $750,000 5* Coachella Cup, presented by Morrow-Meadows Corporation, can be found here. View current MLSJ team and individual standings here.

MLSJ action continues in the desert with Leg 7—MLSJ Palm Springs—running December 10-13.

For more information on Major League Show Jumping and to view complete schedules, rosters and more, visit majorleagueshowjumping.com. Get in on the action by downloading the MLSJ App and tune in live all season at ClipMyHorse.tv.

Photos © MLSJ / Meraki Creative Group

Laura Kraut & Bisquetta Win $750,000 Coachella Cup

Laura Kraut aboard Bisquetta.