The Highlands Cup Grand Prix Preview Show

Charlotte and Emma Blumenkrantz preview the 2026 Highlands Cup Grand Prix, recorded on site in the Hudson Valley after three days at the show. The Grand Prix doubles as the 50th ever Major League Show Jumping Grand Prix, and the field is loaded: the EquiRatings Prediction Centre favourite chasing an Elo milestone, a nine-year-old with a perfect podium record, a Greenwich rematch, and two New Yorkers riding on home soil. Plus a quick chat with Grand Prix qualifier winner Spencer Smith and the hosts' own podium picks.

Key Discussion Points

• The favourite. James Kann Cruz and Shane Sweetnam top the EquiRatings win chance ratings at 17%, a rare figure for any Grand Prix favourite. The pair also lead the field on jump-off, podium and clear rate tables.
• The Elo race. James Kann Cruz sits on 790 Elo, three points behind King Edward, who jumps the Oslo World Cup the same day.
• McLain Ward on a mission. Second in the Grand Prix qualifier and second in the Major League team class with the Roadrunners. Sixth in this Grand Prix last year, a big Elo climb since, and still chasing a first ever Major League Grand Prix win.
• The Greenwich rematch. Daniel Bluman and Corbie V.V., the only double clear in Greenwich two weeks ago, return alongside runners-up Kent Farrington and Descartes. A Bluman win would be only the second back-to-back Major League Grand Prix win (after Jordan Coyle and Ariso) and would tie Farrington's record of five.
• Descartes. The nine-year-old has reached the jump-off in four of five five-star Grands Prix and podiumed every time, including a win in Lexington.
• Mark Bluman and Landon. Not yet a year together, already a five-star Grand Prix winner in Calgary, and looking for a first Major League Grand Prix win.
• Home soil. Lillie Keenan and Kick On hold the second highest win chance. Richard Vogel, adopted by the show as a local, brings a younger string led by Quizas.
• The qualifier. Spencer Smith and Keeneland won Friday's qualifier with the only double clear, going first in the jump-off. Christian Kukuk and HK Carrera finished third.
• The defending champion. Rene Dittmer won here last year on Corsica X and returns with Cody, fourth at this year's World Cup Final.
• Fresh five-star winners. Beat Mändli and Qoachella, who won the World Cup leg in Michigan on their first five-star Grand Prix start, look to prove it again.

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