Olympic medalists and national equestrian team members competed on some of the finest horses in the world during Saturday's highlight event, an FEI World Cup qualifier, the $100,000 International Open Jumper class President's Cup Grand Prix.
Three contestants had a clear course in the initial round which led to a jump-off against the clock: Mario Deslauriers on Vicomte D, Kate Levy and Lirving du Volsin, and Todd Minikus on Alaska. The first round proved to be an upset for two-time Olympic medalist and last year's cup Winner McLain Ward. Ward faulted with a bit of bad luck despite an otherwise smooth performance.
Regarding Alaska, the champion of multiple grand prix events, Minikus said that the horse is still gaining experience and that the first word that comes to mind when riding Alaska is "Quality." Minikus delivered his success on Saturday despite an injury that he said was quite painful.
