Mark Bluman Holds a Hot Hand at Toronto’s Royal Horse Show
Mark Bluman of Colombia blazed to his second victory in as many days in the $170,000 Mad Barn Big Ben Challenge on Thursday evening, November 13, at the CSI5*-W Royal Horse Show, held as part of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, ON.
After winning the McKee Family International Speed one night earlier, Bluman rose to the occasion once again in the Mad Barn Big Ben Challenge, this time aboard Ubiluc, owned by Daniel Bluman and Over The Top Stables. Mark attacked the short course designed by Olaf Petersen, Jr. of Germany, and laid it all on the line as he flew to the final obstacle, a delicate vertical. Ultimately, he set an uncatchable time at 35.62 seconds.
The German-bred Ubiluc has been a part of the Bluman Equestrian program since the 13-year-old gelding (Ubiko x Lucian) was six. Ridden by Mark as a six and seven-year-old, his cousin, Daniel, then took over the ride and developed the horse to the international level. He handed the reins back to Mark in 2023 and, since then, the pair have collected an astounding 44 top 10 international finishes.
The familial partnership was on full display on Thursday night in the Coca-Cola Coliseum.
“I told Daniel to watch the jump-off because I wanted to concentrate on warming up the horse correctly,” said Mark, 34, who is competing at the Royal Horse Show for the first time. “He told me exactly what I needed to do to make it happen and it paid off. He’s a very fast horse so I had that to my advantage.”
Of his competitive debut in Toronto, Mark said, “Winning the Big Ben, named after a legend in the sport, here at The Royal, a very prestigious horse show, is one of my biggest wins with him. I came with big expectations and wanted to make a statement and try to be top five in every class.”
In addition to his two victories, Mark stayed true to his plan and finished fifth in the opening Strength & Speed Welcome on Wednesday.
Read more:
The Royal Horse Show • The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
