1/ST, the consumer-racing brand of The Stronach Group, a major player in North American Thoroughbred racing, recently sponsored the $62,500 1ST. CSI2* Grand Prix at the Winter Equestrian Festival. This sponsorship highlights the connection between show jumping and horse racing, two industries that share a significant overlap in fan base and lifestyle.

Photo: ©Marilyn Little & Olympic van de Noordheuevel are presented as winners of the $62,500 1/ST CSI2* Grand Prix by Ainsley Hayes, 1/ST Equestrian. Photo ©Sportfoto

Tal Milstein Stables Adds US Rider Marilyn Little To Their Roster

Owned by Tal Milstein Stables, Olympic van de Noordheuevel, the 11-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding (Zambesi TN x Darco), has been paired with Marilyn Little (USA), setting her up for a great season.

“I’m incredibly grateful and so excited for the opportunity,” Little said of getting the chance to pilot the 11-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding (Zambesi TN x Darco). “It’s a great horse. He’s had a ton of experience. Tal had a feeling it was going to click. He’s probably one of the easiest horses I’ve ever had the opportunity to ride. It’s novel for me to have so much experience under me. My goal today was to trade on that and take advantage of it since he knows how to go fast.”

Based just a few miles down the road in Palm Beach, Sunday’s win was a hometown celebration for Little, who has been craving more diversity in her string lately.

“I’ve only had one horse for the last year,” she remarked. “I’ve needed some rides very badly. This is the first time I’ve had a second horse to ride, and a third one just arrived yesterday. The string is growing exponentially by the day right now.”

In the Jump Off, She Wins By a Whisker

The jump-off, set by 2024 Olympic course builder Gregory Bodo (FRA) kept getting faster with two speedy competitors behind Little when she took over the leading time in 38.59 seconds. Ultimately, she was one-hundredth of a second quicker than second place, which went to Luciana Lossio (BRA) and LS Oscar. Third place went to Molly Ashe Cawley (USA) and Berdien, owned by Louisburg Farm. With 40 entries in the class, the top six riders were all within .86 of a second difference.

Little noted that it was the final line that made the difference. “My plan was to do eight [strides] down the last line,” she explained. “I knew it was a risk but I saw it three or four [strides] out and he picked right up on it. It worked out. It’s like betting; you’re all in when you make a decision like that at the end.”

Little’s confidence in the opening CSI2* classes with Olympic van de Noordheuevel convinced her they were ready to challenge the other eight competitors over the short course. “After the class on Friday, I knew we had a good shot,” she said after her sixth-place finish in the Qualifier. “He’s such a great jumper, and I thought if I’m in the jump-off, I really want to take a shot at it.”

Little noted that it was the final line that made the difference. “My plan was to do eight [strides] down the last line,” she explained. “I knew it was a risk, but I saw it three or four [strides] out, and he picked right up on it. It worked out. It’s like betting; you’re all in when you make a decision like that at the end.”

1/ST Sees The Opportunity to Expand on Equestrian Sport

1/ST is bridging the gap between show jumping and horse racing, as the two industries have significant crossover in fandom and lifestyle.

Little appreciates the effort the world-class sports brand sees her. “I’m a huge racing fan so I think it is a really natural step,” she commented. “Top sport is top sport. If you love horses and you love the equestrian lifestyle, it’s all exciting. It makes sense to bridge the gap and I’m so excited that they’re doing it. They’re doing a great job and really getting the name out there. I think people are really going to grab onto it.”

Click HERE to see full results from the $62,500 1/ST CSI2* Grand Prix.