Alex Matz (USA) and his veteran mount Cashew CR won the $32,250 Strength & Speed Challenge on Wednesday, November 6, at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, ON.
The first competition of the CSI5*-W division, which denotes the highest level of show jumping sport also offering a World Cup qualifying grand prix, saw riders competing over a “power and speed” track set by course designer Oscar Soberon of the United States. Riders navigated eight fences and, if they left all of them in place, immediately advanced to the speed portion of the course. Taking a daring inside turn in the speed phase would prove to seal the deal for Matz, 28, putting him into the early lead with a time of 32.69 seconds.
Matz’s time was challenged by Conor Swail, but the Irishman came up short in a time of 33.56 seconds riding Gamble for owner Asta Torokvei. Making his Royal Horse Show debut, Germany’s Richard Vogel, currently seventh in the Longines World Rankings, placed third aboard Phenyo van het Keysersbos for owner Belam S.R.O. after stopping the clock in 34.72 seconds.
“It’s a privilege to ride this horse,” said Matz of Cashew CR, a Holsteiner gelding (Cassini II x Quinar Z) owned by his mother, Dorothy A. Matz. “I always know that when I go in the ring, he’s going to do his best to leave the jumps up.”
Alex Matz, son of 1996 U.S. Olympic team silver medalist Michael Matz, says he counts his blessings each day Cashew CR comes out to jump.
“He’s always been a phenomenal horse, and our success over the last two years is a testament to him,” said Alex Matz of the horse that’s now 16 years old. “My riding has improved, but he hasn’t changed that much; I’ve given him more of an opportunity to shine. He is an incredibly strong-willed and talented horse. I don’t know why he feels so good at this age, but he does. We will keep showing as long as he is happy and loving his job.”
In his second appearance at the Royal Horse Show, Alex Matz is thrilled to return, saying, “This is one of my favourite horse shows because it’s so special. The organization that runs the Royal does an incredible job of getting spectators out and the atmosphere is amazing.”
The Royal Horse Show has attracted a celebrated list of international athletes, including four of the world’s top 10, which is something Alex Matz sees as an opportunity.
“You go to big shows and watch better riders to learn from them; it’s one big cycle,” he said. “Mclain Ward, Kent Farrington, Conor Swail; those are three people in the top 10 in the world. Why wouldn’t you watch and try to learn from them? It’s free!”
Jumper competition continues through Saturday, November 9, at the Royal Horse Show. As the world’s best compete for international show jumping glory, anticipation will be building for the $272,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Toronto taking center stage on Saturday evening. The event will serve as a coveted qualifier for the 2025 FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final in Basel, Switzerland.
For more information on the Royal Horse Show, including daily schedules and to purchase tickets, visit www.royalfair.org/royalhorseshow.
$32,250 USD Strength & Speed Challenge
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
Rider / Nation / Horse / Faults / Time
1. Alex Matz / USA / Cashew CR / 0 / 32.69
2. Conor Swail / IRL / Gamble / 0 / 33.56
3. Richard Vogel / GER / Phenyo van het Keysersbos / 0 / 34.72
4. McKayla Langmeier / USA / Pepita vd Rollebeek / 0 / 34.78
5. Jessica Mendoza / GBR / Charlyn / 0 / 35.63
6. Aaron Vale / USA / Styles / 0 / 36.94
7. Rene Dittmer / GER / Corsica X / 0 / 37.64
8. Mclain Ward / USA / High Star Hero / 0 / 37.73
9. Nicole Walker / CAN / Panter JVH / 0 / 38.09
10. Vanessa Mannix / CAN / Kingston / 0 / 40.14
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