Two-time Canadian Olympian Tiffany Foster and her veteran partner, Victor, emerged victorious in the $86,000 CSI5* 1.50m Suncast Classic on Sunday, March 12, at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in Wellington, FL.

Ireland’s Alan Wade set the track in the International Arena, which saw ten horse-and-rider combinations jump clear from the original 51-horse starting field. As the eighth rider to tackle the jump-off course, Foster used her long-time partnership with Victor to her advantage, stopping the clock in 36.82 seconds to take the win over two-time Olympic team gold medalist McLain Ward of the United States. Ward crossed the timers in 37.56 riding Tina la Boheme while fellow American Olympian Laura Kraut was third in a time of 38.75 seconds riding Constable.

“Going late in the order is always an advantage in the jump-off,” said Foster, 32, of North Vancouver, BC. “McLain went right before me, and I knew the only way I could beat him was to take a risk and be faster to the last jump. I have huge trust and confidence in my horse and knew he could get there. I gave it a try, and I know the horse so well and he knows me, so it all worked out!”

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