Jill Henselwood invested some time signing autographs prior to the $100,000 Gerald R. Ford President’s Cup. And the extra karma she received may have made all of the difference.

“I told all of the kids that they’d better cross all of their fingers and toes if Black Ice makes the jump-off,” said Henselwood laughing.

And the screaming girls in the stands had a lot to cheer about as Black Ice shaved .21 seconds off Todd Minikus’ leading time aboard Olinda and led the victory gallop on Saturday night at the Washington International.

Henselwood, who went fifth in the six-horse jump-off, watched Carlos Boy and Ken Berkley set the pace with a clear round in 34.73 seconds. Although she didn’t watch Minikus’ ride, she knew that to cut 2 full seconds off the time she’d have to boogie.

“It felt like barrel racing over jumps,” she said smiling.

The first-round course, set by Richard Jeffery, received rave reviews from the riders afterward, but prior to the class there was much discussion over the difficulty and technicality he presented in this World Cup qualifier.

“When I walked the course I thought it was big and hard and truly a World Cup test,” said Brianne Goutal, who placed third aboard Onira. “The last line was a bogey line in my opinion.

“My horse was incredible, and I owe it all to Max [Amaya] and everyone at Beacon Hill. We practice all day over gymnastics, and this was gymnastics at an elevated height,” she added.

Of the 23 starters, no one went clear until the 11th in the order, Berkley and Carlos Boy (who placed fourth in the jump-off). Then, riders began to figure out how to master the last line, a liverpool oxer five short strides or four long strides to a double combination of airy verticals to another short five or long four strides to a toe-to-toe oxer headed toward the out-gate.

Many top names had trouble on course, including McLain Ward and Larioso who dropped two rails down that line. Kent Farrington, the winningest grand prix rider on the circuit this year, dropped a rail at 11A of the combination with Up Chiqui and couldn’t recapture his President’s Cup title from 2005.

Henselwood joined the jump-off as the 20th in the order, and fellow Canadian Karen Cudmore followed suit with Southern Pride as the sixth qualifier.

After Henselwood stopped the clock in 32.11 seconds, Cudmore and Southern Pride galloped after the lead. Southern Pride’s lofty jump kept him from covering as much ground, however, and they finished fifth.

A long-time student of Canadian superstar Ian Millar, Henselwood, Oxford Mills, Ont., has had many talented horses in her string over the years, but she noted that her two current grand prix horses, Black Ice and Pan Am Games individual gold medalist Special Ed, are her best.

“I’ve won more grand prix classes this year than ever in my career. I think it’s the horse power,” she said.

Henselwood purchased Black Ice as a 5-year-old in the Netherlands for owner Stacie Ryan, Ogdensburg, N.Y. The now 13-year-old, Dutch Warmblood gelding (by Indoctro) does double duty, having also carried his amateur-owner in the level 5 and 6 classes at the USGPL Finals in Culpeper, Va., in late September.

“He’s the joy of her life,” said Henselwood. “And now he comes here for me and is an international winner. Her Blackie is incredible. He makes everyone happy.”