KMary Rose Canterbury & Zuperman MT, presented as winners of the $31,100 EquiScore 2* Speed. Photo ©Shannon Brinkman
Amenia, N.Y. – October 8, 2026—USA’s Mary Rose Canterbury wasn’t aiming for a win in Thursday’s $31,100 EquiScore 2*; however, Zuperman MT’s foot speed clinched it for her to highlight Thursday action during Major League Show Jumping week at the 2026 Highlands Cup, the second week of the Autumn Invitational at Highlands.
The 11-year-old Swedish-bred gelding ate up the track of Gregory Bodo (FRA), the Olympic course designer from the Paris Games. Canterbury and Zuperman MT (Corporal VDL x Cassiano) stopped the clock in the one-round speed-format class in 68.51 seconds to earn the victory for owner 5C Ranch and Minerals, LLC.
Canterbury and Zuperman MT are in the midst of a comeback tour after an injury sidelined the gelding for much of the 2025 season. “We weren’t planning to go for the win today, but he’s a very fast horse and has come back so strong,” said Canterbury, who hails from Texas and trains with Olympian Daniel Bluman. “I don’t have to think too hard about going fast.”
The closest challenger, Jessica Mendoza (GBR), posted a time of 68.80 seconds aboard Quick Ginger Della Caccia, owned by Take Two, LLC. Puerto Rico’s Vasco Flores rounded out the top three in 69.92 seconds riding Stena for Clover M Sporthorses.
“It was unexpected, but I am really happy—after one of the rollbacks I knew we were fast, and we just kept going,” concluded Canterbury, who is a freshman at Texas Tech studying business.
The $40,000 GoRentals 2* Grand Prix takes center stage on Friday, with Canterbury looking for another top placing with Zuperman MT.
Complete results from the $31,100 EquiScore 2* Speed can be found HERE.
To conclude Thursday’s competition, Canadian Olympian Erynn Ballard opened five-star competition with a win in the 1.40m Two-Phase riding Ilan Ferder’s Genius de Rance.
National divisions at the 1.30m and 1.40m height returned this week to highlight the Highlands Cup schedule. Tarin Kiely of Rumson, N.J., opened the week riding Kiely Equestrian’s Runaway Vitseroel with a win in the $10,000 North Ridge Painting 1.30m. Josephine de Pfyffer of New York, N.Y., came back to win the $20,000 Bosch Sport Horses 1.30m Speed on Thursday aboard Jisborn for owner Pablo Mejia Equestrian.
Ballard, hailing from Tottenham, Ontario, continued her banner start to the week by sweeping the 1.40m. She won the $20,000 Tasu Fruit Chips 1.40m Speed on Wednesday with Snelleneddy Castanoo for owner Ilan Ferder, and the $20,000 Champagne Telmont 1.40m Classic on Thursday in the irons of Greta de la Dinais, also owned by Ilan Ferder.
Competition during the Highlands Cup features top sport in the Major League Show Jumping 5*, as well as exceptional offerings for amateur athletes in a breathtaking setting. The week features the MLSJ Team Class, presented by ClipMyHorse.tv, on Saturday, as well as Sunday’s featured $340,00 Highlands Cup 5* Grand Prix. General admission is free all week, and streaming is available at ClipMyHorse.Tv. For more information on ticketing, special events and schedules, visit www.highlandshudsonvalley.com.
About Highlands Hudson Valley
Highlands is a 1,000-acre destination in New York’s Hudson Valley where world-class equestrian competition, luxury hospitality, automotive culture, art, and philanthropy come together. Home to The Autumn Invitational—a collection of signature events including the Discovery Land Company Masters, Highlands Cup, and Bridlemont Concours—it creates immersive experiences that celebrate sport while supporting meaningful community impact throughout the Hudson Valley. Highlands activations include The Gallery Experience, curated by acclaimed artist Brendan Murphy, as well as a Kid Zone, Fan Zone, The Shops at Highlands, and more. Highlands Horse Show Inc. is a New York 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. To learn more, visit www.highlandshudsonvalley.com.