The Trelawny Trailblazers stormed to their first victory of the 2026 season on Saturday, climbing to the top of the podium in the $200,000 Major League Show Jumping (MLSJ) 5* Team Class, presented by ClipMyHorse.tv and Mission Foods, at the Highlands Cup, the second week of the Autumn Invitational at Highlands.
The winning team roster included Charlotte Jacobs (USA), Alex Matz (USA) and Marlon Modono Zanotelli (BRA), led by team owner Cara Raether-Carey.
The Trelawny Trailblazers top the MLSJ Highlands podium, joined by Juan Golzalez (right) of Mission Foods and Robert Franklin “Butch” Leitzinger (left). (Shannon Brinkman Photography)
Olympic course designer Gregory Bodo (FRA) set the testing track that hosted The Trelawny Trailblazers as they faced off against the Roadrunners in a gold-medal jump-off. Zanotelli riding Rockwell RC anchored the team in his MLSJ debut season to best Mclain Ward (USA) on First Lady in the final round. Two poles fell for Ward, adding three seconds to his time (49.74 seconds), while Zanotelli pocketed a clear in 47.21 seconds.
Double-clear performances from Jacobs on seasoned partner Rincoola Milsean and Matz riding 9-year-old Clarimo sent Zanotelli to the gold-medal round.
“My teammates made my life a lot easier,” said the Tokyo Olympian. “They put me in a very good spot and I had quite a bit of a margin after Mclain had two down.
“My mare is fantastic—she’s absolutely a star, and I’m just proud to be around those guys,” continued Zanotelli about the mare that has jumped clear in every MLSJ team appearance she has made. “I’ve been in team competitions before in different forms, and I think this is so exciting for everybody—for the crowd watching, for us riders. It’s never finished, and you can always fight back and get back in the game.”
The Roadrunners took silver with Kaitlin Campbell (ISR) riding Karius and Ireland’s Shane Sweetnam on Pia Maria H joining Ward on the second step of the podium. The Northern Lights made their first podium appearance of the year, finishing with bronze on a roster of Hilary Scott (AUS) with 19-year-old Oaks Milky Way; Adrienne Sternlicht (USA) riding Rebelline de Kwakenbeek; and Nicole Walker (CAN) on Panter JVH.
Jacobs and Rincoola Milsean were foot perfect over two rounds for the second year in a row at Highlands. “Everything just clicked today. All three horses jumped fantastic, and it went our way. Gregory is a fantastic course builder. He always asks the right questions without making it overly complicated or technical,” said Jacobs of Bodo’s course.
When Matz was asked about his horses’ incredible record—four clears in five outings for the team this MLSJ season—he said, “He’s incredibly careful. He’s still a bit young and we need to grow together, but he has been incredible in these competitions and today, he stepped up again.”
Complete results from the $200,000 Major League Show Jumping 5* Team Class, presented by ClipMyHorse.tv and Mission Foods, are available HERE.
Mark Bluman Wins Major League’s 50th Grand Prix
Major League Show Jumping’s 50th 5* Grand Prix drew 36 combinations from 12 nations to Highlands Cup on Saturday. Presented by Miller Motorcars, the $340,000 class challenged the international field over a track designed by Olympic course designer Gregory Bodo (FRA).
Bodo’s track cut the field from 36 to 12 in the first round, bringing speed into play for the milestone win. Among those returning for the jump off was Mark Bluman (ISR) aboard Landon De Nyze. The pair delivered a faultless round in 36.32 seconds, setting the standard for the remaining competitors.
Four riders beat Bluman’s time, but each incurred jumping faults, leaving his lead intact. With only five combinations finishing double-clear, Bluman’s balance of speed and accuracy delivered the win.
“Coming in here, I was hungry to get it done,” Bluman said following his victory.
With six of the world’s top ten riders competing at Highlands Cup, Bluman acknowledged the strength of the field and the significance of the result. “Having six of the world’s top ten here is unbelievable,” he said.
For Bluman, confidence played a key role in his approach to the competition. “I try to do my best, and when I’m in the ring, I think I’m the best. That’s my mentality,” he explained.
Jessica Mendoza (GBR) and Ascadina PP Z secured second place, delivering a competitive jump off round despite Mendoza’s initial plan to prioritize a smooth performance with her young mare. “My mare is young, and I wanted to do a nice, smooth round, but she actually ended up being quick,” Mendoza explained.
Mendoza also reflected on the League’s impact on the sport and the opportunities it continues to create for riders competing in North America. “Major League Show Jumping is fantastic for show jumping in North America, so I’m thankful to be a part of it,” she added.
Rounding out the podium was Natalie Dean (USA) aboard Acota M, whose performance secured third place in the historic competition. “I’m so proud of how she jumped today… She’s such a fighter and naturally very quick, so luckily it paid off and we were on the podium today,” Dean said.
Since its inaugural season, MLSJ has built an International League that puts the world’s leading riders and horses in direct competition throughout the season. Bluman’s victory at Highlands Cup brings that record to 50 five-star Grand Prix across six seasons, reflecting the scale and sustained ambition of the League.
Bluman led the Highlands Cup podium, with Mendoza taking silver and Dean bronze as Season 6 continues.
Complete results from the $340,000 5* Highlands Cup Grand Prix presented by Miller Motorcars can be found here. For more information on Major League Show Jumping and to view complete schedules, rosters and more, visit majorleagueshowjumping.com
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