May 30, 2016 
Five 5* classes. Zero rails. Four victories. And a suitcase full of prize money. When in Rome, McLain Ward is a show jumping gladiator. Here’s a recap of his stellar streak at the Piazza di Siena CSIO5* in Rome, Italy last week.
The world #4 started off his European tour with a win on Thursday.
It was a €25,000 1.50m jump off class. Ward was aboard the 14-year-old Zangersheide gelding HH Carlos Z.
“This was a great result for us on the first day,” said the double Olympic gold medallist. “Carlos is a horse confirmed at this level, he’s a big jumper and he’s good in these kinds of classes—he’s really fast.” Clearly.
©CSIORoma / MProli
Friday, Ward posted a double clear in the Nations Cup on HH Azur.
Because of course he did. Team USA finished second. But HH Azur remains first in chef d’equipe Robert Ridland’s heart.
©CSIORoma / MProli
Come Saturday, HH Carlos Z claimed the €80,450 Engel & Volkers Palm Beach CSIO5* Grand Prix.
He climbed to the top of a 22 horse jump off to win by more than a second and a half. Ward stopped the clock at 34.78 seconds versus 36.40 seconds for second place finisher Gianni Govoni of Italy.
©CSIORoma / MProli
Ward wrapped up the week with a first place finish in the €200,000 Loro Piana Grand Prix City of Rome.
“Despite a pretty poor ride in the jump off on my part, the horse made up for my shortcomings and still won anyway,” said Ward. He added two strides in the jump off. THE HORROR.
©CSIORoma / MProli
Is it too early to start making Olympic Individual Gold predictions…?
