Ward snatches victory in Range Rover Speed

22 may 2025

America’s McLain Ward, world number eight and double Olympic gold medallist, snatched a late victory with High Star Hero in the third competition of the opening day at CSIO Rome 2025 in Piazza di Siena this evening, the Range Rover Speed.

Stephan de Freitas Barcha looked set to post his second triumph of the afternoon having topped the podium in the previous MAG Two-Phase. Going nineteenth of the 60 starters with the 12-year-old Dinozo Imperio Egipcio, the Brazilian produced another super-fast effort in 64.96 seconds, and for much of the class he was out in front, with his closest rival being Frenchman Kevin Staut who brought Queen’s Balou B home in 66.96.

With just four left to go however, Ward set off with his game-face on and High Star Hero in top gear but always under complete control, and this pair romped home with a clean sheet and a big smile from the US rider after shaving 0.19 seconds off the leading time, stopping the clock in 64.77 seconds.

That would prove untouchable, while third-last into the ring, Italy’s Emilio Bicocchi and Excaliburg overtook Staut for that third spot behind de Freitas Barcha when crossing the line in 66.48.

Very happy

“That was nice, we are very happy with him!”, Ward said of the 12-year-old gelding.

“This is a horse owned by Mike and Wendy Smith, and he was with Thaisa Erwin (AUS) last year and had some success. I took over the ride at the end of last summer and we’ve had some very good days, a little bit of inconsistency - he’s a very sensitive horse and we’re just trying to dial that in - but he has a lot of quality and he wants to be good!”, he explained.

He said High Star Hero can jump the big classes - “yes 5* Grand Prixs also, we are just trying to get to a place where our results are consistent”.

He felt that Stephan de Freitas Barcha had given them all plenty to do with his super-quick run. But Ward trusted in his horse’s scope and speed.

“We have a very big stride, and this big ring is a huge help. Uliano (Vezzani, top Italian course designer) allows you to get into a good gallop and just stay on it, and the more you can just not interfere the more this horse relaxes and does a very good job. I was able to do one less to the last I think, and that probably sealed it”.

Ph. FISE / M. Argenziano