Jacqueline Ruyle (USA) claimed yet another feature-class victory aboard Cyramo Z during Week 5 of TerraNova’s Winter Series with today’s win in the $100,000 Magellan Jets 1.45m FEI Grand Prix.
Hot on Ruyle’s heels in the jump-off was Canadian Olympian Amy Millar, who guided Christiano to a lightning-fast clear round in 36.60 seconds, finishing just fractions behind the winning time. Ireland’s Darragh Kenny followed immediately after aboard Mendoza, stopping the clock at 36.61 seconds.
(Watch Amy Millar and Christiano’s speedy jumpoff round here.)
With only 0.17 seconds separating the top three finishers, the class proved to be one of the most tightly contested highlights of the TerraNova Winter Series, as each rider pushed for efficiency and precision in the jump-off track.
Throughout TerraNova’s Winter Series, Ruyle has been a consistent presence near the top of the leaderboard in feature classes, recording several strong finishes, including second-, third-, and fourth-place results.
Jacqueline Ruyle and Cyramo Z. (Jessica Buehler photo)
During Week 5, however, Ruyle and her longtime partner Cyramo Z stepped firmly into the winner’s circle. Just days earlier, they also delivered an impressive performance against a field of 27 international riders, capturing the $32,000 Key Performance Feeds 1.45m FEI Welcome Speed with a blazing, fault-free round and a winning time of 60.34 seconds.
While Ruyle claimed the Welcome Speed earlier in the week, today’s victory marked her first Grand Prix win at TerraNova. “I’m so excited to win my first Grand Prix here and, honestly, a little relieved that it’s the end of the circuit, so I can go home celebrating,” Ruyle says. “I’m just thrilled. I’m so thankful for my horse because she really took care of me in the jump-off today. It actually didn’t go exactly according to plan, but she was unbelievable out there.”
With $100,000 on the line and nearly thirty top international horse-and-rider combinations competing in the class, Ruyle says managing pressure is something she works on intentionally.
“I work really hard mentally to stay calm,” she explains. “You ride your best when you’re relaxed and thinking clearly, and I put a lot of time and effort into that because I believe it’s the most important part of my performance. I also work hard on the flat every day and make sure I get all my riding homework done so that when you show up to an event like this, you can stay calm—but that calmness takes a lot of work.”
Although TerraNova marks the end of her winter circuit, Ruyle and Cyramo Z still have one exciting event ahead before the mare enjoys some well-earned downtime.
“The last show of the season will be in Miami Beach, which will be a lot of fun,” Ruyle says. “This weekend was kind of our prequel to that. After Miami, she’ll be done for the season, and then we’ll go back home to Texas and give the horses a couple of months off so they can relax before we get them fit again for the summer shows.”
Ruyle also took a moment to acknowledge the team behind her success. Her groom, Taylor Morris, won the TerraNova Groom Award. Morris, also a competitor, is set to ride in tomorrow’s $20,000 Arion Sellier 1.35m TerraNova Prix.
“My groom is here, while also showing a horse, and she’s had to manage three horses almost by herself,” Ruyle says. “She’s worked incredibly hard and done an amazing job. I’m really proud of her and so thankful for everything she does to help get us here. I’m wishing her the best of luck tomorrow in the TerraNova Prix.”
In the prize giving ceremony, Ruyle was recognized as the Leading Lady Rider, sponsored by Regions Private Wealth Management. As the owner of Cyramo Z, she was also presented with the Owner’s Award sponsored by Laughlin Tanner Group at Premier Sotheby’s International Realty.
Ruyle’s victory capped an impressive week of competition at TerraNova, where top international riders delivered strong performances across the Winter Series schedule. With a thrilling jump-off that saw less than two-tenths of a second separating the top three finishers, the $100,000 Magellan Jets 1.45m FEI Grand Prix provided an exciting finale to international competition in Myakka City.
$100,000 Magellan Jets 1.45m FEI Grand Prix
1st: Jacqueline Ruyle (USA) — Cyramo Z — (0 | 72.48) (0 | 36.44)
2nd: Amy Millar (CAN) — Christiano — (0 | 73.16) (0 | 36.60)
3rd: Darragh Kenny (IRL) — Mendoza — (0 | 72.33) (0 | 36.61)
4th: Alison Robitaille (USA) — Claire de Lune 33 — (0 | 73.38) (0 | 36.92)
5th: Simon McCarthy (IRL) — Quartier Van De Begijnakker — (0 | 74.06) (0 | 38.74)
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