UPPERVILLE, Va., June 6, 2026 — The FEI/CSI4* competition at the 2026 Upperville Colt & Horse Show, presented by MARS EQUESTRIAN™ came down to fractions of a second on Friday, with Ireland’s Philip McGuane and Evergate Stables’ Crislin van den Bosrand Z capturing the $62,500 Upperville Welcome Stakes by a margin so narrow it barely registered on the clock. Michael A. Smith of Middleburg, Va., sponsored the class.
McGuane and the 9‑year‑old Zangersheide mare secured the win by less than one one‑hundredth of a second (0.01) over Sloane Coles (USA) and The Ninja Group’s Ninja JW van de Moerhoeve, who had set the early pace as the second to return in the jump‑off. Their time held through five more trips before McGuane delivered the round that ultimately edged them out.
Daniel Bluman (ISR) and Hummer Z, a 12‑year‑old Zangersheide gelding owned by Abigail Wexner, opened the jump‑off and finished third, just 0.22 seconds behind Coles in a class that stayed tight from start to finish.
Course designer Alan Wade’s challenging track resulted in ten horses from 37 starters returning for the jumpoff, with Bluman turning in a speedy trip incurring zero faults and stopping the clock at 33.97 seconds to take the lead. Coles, The Plains, Va., was soon the one to beat, bettering Bluman’s jumpoff time by a close.22 seconds, and McGaune returned to win the class, crossing the timers .22 seconds faster than Coles.
For full results and livestream access, visit www.upperville.com.
Sponsors of the 2026 Upperville Colt & Horse Show presented by MARS EQUESTRIAN™ include Ethel M. Chocolates, Dr. Betsee Parker, Michael Smith, Lugano, The Salamander Collection, B&D Builders, Markel Insurance, Delta Air Lines and the Postage Stamp Farm Foundation.
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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 supports local area charities, including the Churches of Upperville Outreach Program. For complete schedules and up-to-the-minute results, visit the website at www.upperville.com.