Trelawny Trailblazers have final say at Highlands Cup. Marlon Zanotelli denies McLain Ward in the gold-medal decider.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 10, 2026
Contact: media@majorleagueshowjumping.com
HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Team Competition took centre stage on Saturday at Highlands Cup, where seven teams tackled the 1.50m course designed by Olympic course designer Gregory Bodo (FRA) in the $200,000 CSI5* Team Competition presented by Mission Foods and ClipMyHorse.TV.
With championship points on the line and Team KPF absent from Leg 4, the remaining teams had an opportunity to make their move in the Season 6 standings.
The Trelawny Trailblazers and DIHP Roadrunners emerged as the final two teams competing for gold, setting up a showdown between Marlon Zanotelli (BRA) and McLain Ward (USA) in the gold medal jump off.
Representing the Roadrunners, Ward was first to contest the jump off, but two rails left the door open for Zanotelli, who had the advantage of knowing exactly what was required.
"In the jump off, to be last so I could see what McLain could do, and unfortunately he had two down, so it gave me a bit of a margin to go in the last round," Zanotelli explained.
With the pressure on, Zanotelli delivered the result the Trailblazers needed, securing the gold medal and their first Team Competition victory of Season 6.
Joining Zanotelli on the winning Trailblazers team were Charlotte Jacobs (USA) and Alex Matz (USA), who each played a role in securing the team's victory.
Reflecting on her horse's consistency at Highlands Cup, Jacobs shared, "He's never had a rail in this ring. He jumped fantastic today."
Matz also praised his mount, Clarimo, for delivering another strong performance.
"He's been incredible in these competitions, and today he stepped up again," Matz said.
For the DIHP Roadrunners, Kaitlin Campbell (USA), McLain Ward (USA) and Shane Sweetnam (IRL) secured the silver medal, adding another podium finish to their Season 6 campaign as they continue to challenge for the championship.
The bronze medal match saw world number one Richard Vogel (GER) represent Helios against Nicole Walker (CAN) of the Northern Lights. Walker came out on top in the head to head battle, securing bronze for the Northern Lights alongside Adrienne Sternlicht (USA) and Hilary Scott (AUS), leaving Helios in fourth place.
With the Trailblazers claiming gold, the Roadrunners taking silver and the Northern Lights completing the podium, the result adds another chapter to an increasingly competitive Season 6 championship.
Competition continues Sunday at Highlands Cup with the $340,000 5* Grand Prix presented by Miller Motorcars, as Major League Show Jumping concludes Leg 4 in New York's Hudson Valley.
View the MLSJ Season 6 individual and team standings here. Complete results from the $200,000 5* Team Competition presented by Mission Foods and Clip My Horse can be found here.
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 and free all season at ClipMyHorse.tv
Photos © MLSJ / ERA\VIII
