Photo by Molly Sorge

“Azur is an incredible animal,” said Ward. “The biggest thing I try to do is not mess up for her. I think the world of her and her performance went great and we’ll keep digging this week and I feel these two very close behind me. I don’t think there’s much difference so we’ll keep pushing on.”

Ward’s right-hand man Lee McKeever rode the entire course with him, kicking over oxers and sitting back in combinations. When asked about the feeling back in the barn Ward said, “Lee works harder than I do. Sometimes when we’re a little at each other I say that’s the saving grace because I know he still wants to win. It’ll be 30 years next April and we’re still going to the ring together which is pretty unique in this business. He wants it, and it’s hard—it’s a little out of his control because once they go in the ring it’s on me. I wouldn’t be halfway where I am in my career without him, so it’s a very special relationship.”

Photo by Molly Sorge

“I missed out No. 2 to 3. It was a nice seven [strides], and I have a big-strided horse, so I thought I could keep out a little bit in the seven and I ended up with eight instead, and that was that whisker I think,” von Eckermann said in reference to being just a hair slower than Ward.

“The ring is not huge, but I think the course builder did a good job in the way that you can ride it smooth,” he continued. “Of course you can make the ring smaller or you can make the ring bigger with the course building, so I thought it was great.”

Photo by Molly Sorge

“I have a great mare, and I want to give her the best possible ride,” said Guerdat. “We’ll see what happens at the end, but I’m just enjoying her. I hope I can keep on riding the way she deserves.”

Bianca is new to the championship level, so Guerdat was asked how she compared to 2012 Olympic gold medal winning partner Nino Des Buissonnets.

“I don’t like to compare horses. They’re both amazing. Nino was Nino, and Bianca is Bianca. She’ll have her own story. She’s got unbelievable quality. She’s got everything it takes.”

Photo by Molly Sorge

Martin Fuchs put in the first clean round in the speed class with Clooney. The speed leg was raised to 1.60-meter last year, something Fuchs felt suited his horse.

“I’m not the fastest ‘couple’ with Clooney, but he’s very regular with clear rounds. It was good for me that it was quite a tough course for a Table C,” said Fuchs. “My plan was to be in the top 12 today. I hope that I stay in the top 10. I was happy with the way he jumped. He feels great here. He traveled very well. We still have a nice week ahead of us.’

Photo by Molly Sorge

Jacobs is competing in his third World Cup Final and is the highest-placed American behind Ward.

“It’s always an honor and a privilege to do this,” Jacobs said. “I consider myself very fortunate to have the horses and the people in my life that allow me to do this. It’s a real treat to be here, and I couldn’t be more thankful for all those who support me.

“This is my third finals,” he continued. “There’s always a surprise in the first round. You walk it. You think you’re going to speed around. But they’re 1.60-meter fences, and you’re going pretty darn fast. Mistakes happen pretty quickly. I wish I were a little higher, especially here on home turf.”