ROAD TO ROLEX IJRC TOP 10 FINAL: MCLAIN WARD

MCLAIN WARD (USA) - 17 October 1975

Mclain Ward has competed in three editions of the Rolex IJRC Top Ten Final (6th in 2010, 3rd in 2018 and 4th in 2022). He would have competed last year, but his simultaneous commitment to the Pan American Games prevented him from doing so.

Undoubtedly a record-breaking rider, Ward has a place of honour in the US Show Jumping Hall of Fame. Over the course of twenty years in which he has taken part in six Olympic Games, he has hung five team medals around his neck. The first in Athens 2004 and the last in Paris 2024.

McLain began riding after being encouraged to take up the sport by his parents, who were professionals in the industry. In 1990, aged 14, he became the youngest rider to win the United States Equestrian Federation Show Jumping Derby. Ten weeks later, he became the youngest rider to win the USET Medal Finals, the first and youngest to win both titles in the same year. This early success led to him being given the nickname of 'The Kid'.

McLain's most memorable career moments include winning the World Cup Final on HH Azur and the Spruce Meadows Masters on Sapphire. HH Azur couldn’t have a better end to her career than finishing on top of two Rolex Grand Slam Majors: the Rolex CSI5* GP at Geneva in December 2022 and the Rolex CSI5* GP at the Dutch Masters in 2023. HH Azur retired in the summer of 2023 and is now enjoying paddock life in Belgium where her co-owner François Mathy has a fantastic facility and team to look after her.

⁠ Which horse will you ride in the top ten and why?

«I will be riding Ilex in the Rolex IJRC Top Ten Final. He was my partner this year winning a silver medal at the Paris Olympics».

What is the moment from last season that you carry in your heart and why?

«The best moment of 2024 was winning the team silver medal at the Paris Olympics. There is no more fulfilling feeling than successfully representing your country».

What plans do you have for 2025?

«⁠⁠In 2025 I look forward to another successful season and will be aiming Ilex towards the Rolex GP of Aachen, which we narrowly lost in 2024».

What does it mean for you to ride in the Rolex IJRC Top Ten competition?

«⁠⁠To be in the top ten year after year is an achievement that makes you feel that you, your horses and your team are consistently successful».

Photo Credit: FEI / Benjamin Clark