UPPERVILLE, Va., June 6, 2025 — International show jumping unfolded Thursday afternoon at the 172nd Upperville Colt & Horse Show, presented by MARS Equestrian™, as Alex Matz and Cashew CR sped to victory in the $31,500 FEI 4* Upperville Power & Speed Stakes, presented by Delta.
This two-phase class challenges horses and riders first in the “power” phase, where they must complete a technical course of fences without incurring jumping faults or exceeding the time allowed. A clear round immediately advances them to the “speed” phase — a race against the clock where precision and bold riding are key to landing atop the leaderboard. Set against the iconic vistas of Virginia’s hunt country, the course — designed by FEI course designer Nick Granat — demanded careful yet bold riding, and Matz answered the call to cross the finish in 28.63 seconds with zero jumping faults. Egypt’s Nayal Nassar rode Dorado de Riverland to second place while the USA’s Chloe Ried finished in third place aboard Chelsea 179.
“My horse is so fast over the fences and across the ground,” said Matz, Coatesville, Pa. “We probably did the same number of strides as our competitors, maybe even more, but his natural speed is what made the difference.”
At 17-years-old, Cashew CR is a veteran of the sport and Matz is grateful for the Holsteiner’s zest for jumping and competing.
“He honestly loves to jump, and I think that’s the secret to his longevity. You’ll see that he’s calm in the warmup, but as soon as we go in the ring, he is a different sort of competitor,” he explained. “It’s a credit to Cashew’s mentality and I’m lucky to have him. I will continue to show him as long as he’s happy.”
As a son of Michael and Dorothy “DD” Matz, Alex and his two siblings Lucy and Robert come from strong showjumping roots. Michael achieved tremendous international success aboard horses such as Jet Run and Rhum IV before transitioning to training racehorses, including Gade I winners Barbaro and Union Rags. DD Matz is also an accomplished equestrian, known for her success in the Amateur Owner and Grand Prix classes, as well as her work in horse breeding.
The Matz family has been coming to Upperville “since before I can remember,” he laughed. “My dad jumped here and won the Grand Prix several times. He and my mom help me at home all the time. My mom rides Cashew most days at home, which is a credit to her; preparing him for me to jump and compete. Both my parents have influenced me greatly.”
Final Top Three Placings:
Alex Matz (USA) – Cashew CR (28.63 seconds)
Nayel Nassar (EGY) – Dorado De Riverland (29.12 seconds)
Chloe Reid (USA) – Chelsea 179 (29.65 seconds)
Delta, the presenting sponsor of the FEI 4* Power & Speed Stakes, continues its valued partnership with UCHS, championing the pursuit of excellence in international sport and helping to bring top-tier equestrian competition to the historic Upperville showgrounds.
FEI-rated jumping competition at UCHS continues through Sunday, drawing a world-class field of equestrians to one of the most celebrated and enduring horse shows in the United States.
The Delta Airlines FEI 4* Power & Speed Stakes is part of a full week of international competition at Upperville, which culminates with the $200,000 Upperville Jumper Classic FEI4* on Sunday, June 8.
For full results and livestream access, visit www.upperville.com.
Sponsors of the 2025 Upperville Colt & Horse Show include presenting sponsor MARS EQUESTRIAN, Ethel M. Chocolates, Koons Motors, Michael and Wendy Smith, Lugano, The Salamander Collection, B&D Builders, Markel Insurance, and Delta Air Lines.
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About the Upperville Colt & Horse Show
The Upperville Colt & Horse Show, also known as the Upperville Horse Show and UCHS, is the oldest horse show in the U.S. Founded in 1853 as a one-day show to encourage better breeding and care of horses, the show has grown to a weeklong tradition with thousands of equestrian and equine pairs competing in a variety of competitive disciplines. Many of the continent’s top professional riders as well as amateurs compete under the spectacular setting featuring the famous oaks at Grafton Farm—the same location as 1853. UCHS is a 501(c)3 charitable organization that raises funds for The Churches of Upperville Outreach Program and supports other area charities. For complete schedules and up-to-the-minute results, visit the website at www.upperville.com.