Philip McGuane (IRL) took the win in the $31,020 CSI2*Welcome aboard Paso Doble SCF.
The spotlight shone on international-level show jumpers at HITS Hudson Valley in Saugerties, New York, on Friday morning, June 12, 2026, as the second day of the HITS Hudson Valley FEI Jumper Special got underway. Four nations were represented in the opening field for the $31,020 CSI2* Welcome, but it was the combination of Ireland’s Philip McGuane and Paso Doble SCF that left the rest in the dust for a victorious finish.
Catsy Cruz (MEX) crafted a lengthy and delicate track for the 33 pairings that elected to contest the first round, but the athletes had clearly brought their A-game to the Douglas Elliman Grand Prix Stadium. Michel Feitosa (BRA) clocked a double-clear effort just two entries into the class. Ultimately, an impressive 14 duos also managed to move on to the immediate jump-off, but as they chased Feitosa’s time to beat of 40.630 seconds, the speed came with a cost. Out of the short course contestants, only one combination, 15 entries later, managed to find a faster route. McGuane crossed the timers in 40.29 seconds, just edging out Feitosa for the win.
“She is a very good jumper, a clear round machine,” said McGuane of the 11-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare (Dictator van de Boslandhoeve x Cassini I) owned by Evergate Stables LLC. “I was just going for a nice, smooth, jump-off round with her. A lot of people had the skinny down, so I just made sure I jumped that well, and the rest turned great.”
Bred by the renowned Spy Coast Farm in Kentucky, Paso Doble SCF has a long winning record with the Evergate Stables team since her seven-year-old year, having been campaigned by both McGuane and his barnmate, Egyptian Olympian Nayel Nassar. With the team based just over an hour away from HITS Hudson Valley, it is no surprise the speedy grey landed in the HITS winner’s circle once again.
“This is a great show facility for us,” expressed McGuane. “The footing is great; there’s always great courses and great jumps. Everyone is very welcoming. We love coming here during the summer.”
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