Karl Cook and Candy Can’t Be Caught in JTWG Inc. CSIO4* Grand Prix
The U.S. national anthem rang out once again for Karl Cook’s victory in the $200,000 JTWG Inc. CSIO4* Grand Prix riding Signe Ostby’s Candy, just one day after a home win for USA Jumping in the FEI Nations Cup at Wellington International during Week 8 of the 2026 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF).
A five-horse jump-off that included four nations set the stage for another face-off between the U.S. and Ireland. After a bold gallop to the final fence over Steve Stephens (USA) and Nick Granat’s (USA) jump-off track, Cook and Candy set an uncatchable time at 36.87 seconds.
An extra stride in the same final line from Irish Olympian Darragh Kenny aboard Colibelle Hero Z, an 11-year-old Belgian-bred mare (Comme Il Faut 5 x Rubens du ry d’Asse) owned by Elena A. Haas, settled them as the runner-up on a time of 37.72 seconds. Kenny also earned the Niall Grimes “Cheers” Perpetual Trophy as the top money-earning Irish competitor during CSIO week at WEF.
The pathfinder in the jump-off and fellow Irish Olympian, Shane Sweetnam, finished third in 37.75 seconds riding Coriaan van Klapscheut Z, a 10-year-old Zangersheide gelding owned together with Voquest, LLC, by the same sire, Comme Il Faut 5, out of a Lord Z Z mare.
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Karl Cook and Candy Can’t Be Caught in JTWG Inc. CSIO4* Grand Prix – Wellington International
