Smith delivers the only double clear of the day to take the $181,170 5* Qualifier presented by Airshare at Highlands Cup.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 9, 2026
Contact: media@majorleagueshowjumping.com
HUDSON VALLEY, NY — The first test of Leg 4 saw riders take on the $181,170 1.55m 5* Qualifier presented by Airshare, set by Olympic course designer Gregory Bodo (FRA). Of the 43 combinations on the start list, only six cleared the demanding track to advance to the jump-off.
Spencer Smith (USA) and Keeneland were the first to post a clear round, setting the early standard for the field. Paris 2024 Olympic champion Christian Kukuk (GER) followed with a clear aboard the 10 year old gelding HK Carrera, securing his place in the jump off.
An additional four combinations advanced, with three nations represented in the final round.
As the pathfinder in the jump off, Smith knew he would have to set a time that put pressure on the remaining five combinations. He delivered a clear round in 35.57 seconds, ultimately producing the first and only double clear of the day.
"In a way, it's actually a benefit to go first in the jump off because you can do what's best for your horse and the rest have to follow," Smith explained.
"I needed to have them chase me. If they felt they could ease off the gas, then they would all jump clear."
The rest of the field attempted the challenge, with several combinations successfully beating Smith's time, but none were able to do so without faults.
McLain Ward (USA) and First Lady came closest, stopping the clock at 33.71 seconds, nearly two seconds faster than Smith. However, a rail at the penultimate fence kept the pair from taking the victory, leaving them in second place.
Kukuk rounded out the podium aboard HK Carrera, crossing the timers in 34.34 seconds. Like Ward, a single rail kept them from challenging Smith's faultless performance.
With the Qualifier victory secured, Smith now turns his attention to Sunday's $340,000 CSI5* Highlands Cup Grand Prix presented by Miller Motorcars.
"I think this was a good set up for Sunday's Grand Prix. He's [Keeneland] nice, forward, thinking about where he's going, and he likes a little victory gallop. It gets him excited, so he will be ready for Sunday," Smith said.
View the MLSJ Season 6 individual and team standings here. Complete results from the $181,170 5* Qualifier presented by Airshare can be found here.
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Photos © MLSJ / ERA\VIII
