Irish Olympian Shane Sweetnam and James Kann Cruz are primed for the 2025 American Gold Cup after winning the $117,000 CSI5* Qualifier on Friday.
Aboard his 2024 Olympic mount, Sweetnam topped a 10-horse jump-off set by course designer and fellow Irishman Alan Wade. Sweetnam and James Kann Cruz are riding a wave of momentum this week after American Gold Cup wins at Traverse City Horse Shows in 2022 and 2024.
“We are having a great career together and ‘Gizmo’ is fresh right now, so I wanted to give this class today some respect for $117,000 and try to win it,” said Sweetnam after clocking in a winning time at 33.71 seconds.
(Megan Giese / TCHS)
Of his 12-year-old Irish-bred gelding (Kannan x Cruising) owned in partnership with the Gizmo Group, Sweetnam said, “He’s very sensitive. But if you do the right things, you get a reward for it, so it’s worth it.
“He feels great and jumped fantastic today, so hopefully we’ll have some luck on Sunday,” continued Sweetnam.
Erynn Ballard—currently the top-ranked Canadian in the world—jumped to second in the Qualifier aboard Dior, owned by Ilan Ferder, in 34.62 seconds. Conor Swail (IRL) finished third aboard Clonterm Obolensky in 38.39 seconds for owner Oliver Raymond Glancy.
“I love coming here,” concluded Sweetnam about his time spent in Traverse City, which this year included watching his children jump to their successes in the competition ring. “Number one, the standard is great at the top level, but also at the junior and young rider level. Olivia is in Belgium this week competing well for the American team and Collin will hopefully be headed to Prix des States. Traverse City has played a big role in their development as riders.”
For complete results from the $117,000 CSI5* Qualifier, click here.
As five-star competition continues to build throughout the week, all roads lead to the iconic American Gold Cup on Sunday, kicking off at 2 PM ET.
Five-star action continued Saturday with the $62,500 CSI5* Winning Round, won by five-time U.S. Olympian Mclain Ward. Riding Princess Dalou H, a 10-year-old Belgian-bred mare (Vigo d’Arsouilles x Baloubet du Rouet) owned by Team Philippaerts, the current world no. 7 pipped Ireland’s Daniel Coyle by just under a half second.
In the second round, Coyle crossed the timers in 38.19 seconds riding Incredible for Ariel Grange, finishing second to Ward’s 37.82-second time. Ballard pocketed another podium finish in third aboard Let’s Fly in 38.67 seconds, and was also 4th with Her Ball Game BG.
For complete results from the $62,500 CSI5* Winning Round, click here.
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