The Trelawny Trailblazers top the MLSJ Highlands podium, joined by Juan Golzalez (right) of Mission Foods and Robert Franklin “Butch” Leitzinger (right). Photo © Shannon Brinkman
Amenia, N.Y. – October 10, 2026—The Trelawny Trailblazers stormed to their first victory of the 2026 season on Saturday, climbing to the top of the podium in the $200,000 Major League Show Jumping (MLSJ) 5* Team Class, presented by ClipMyHorse.tv and Mission Foods, at the Highlands Cup, the second week of the Autumn Invitational at Highlands.
The winning team roster included Charlotte Jacobs (USA), Alex Matz (USA) and Marlon Modono Zanotelli (BRA), led by team owner Cara Raether-Carey.
Olympic course designer Gregory Bodo (FRA) set the testing track that hosted The Trelawny Trailblazers as they faced off against the Roadrunners in a gold-medal jump-off. Zanotelli riding Rockwell RC anchored the team in his MLSJ debut season to best Mclain Ward (USA) on First Lady in the final round. Two poles fell for Ward, adding three seconds to his time (49.74 seconds), while Zanotelli pocketed a clear in 47.21 seconds.
Double-clear performances from Jacobs on seasoned partner Rincoola Milsean and Matz riding 9-year-old Clarimo sent Zanotelli to the gold-medal round.
“My teammates made my life a lot easier,” said the Tokyo Olympian. “They put me in a very good spot and I had quite a bit of a margin after Mclain had two down.
“My mare is fantastic—she’s absolutely a star, and I’m just proud to be around those guys,” continued Zanotelli about the mare that has jumped clear in every MLSJ team appearance she has made. “I’ve been in team competitions before in different forms, and I think this is so exciting for everybody—for the crowd watching, for us riders. It’s never finished, and you can always fight back and get back in the game.”
The Roadrunners took silver with Kaitlin Campbell (ISR) riding Karius and Ireland’s Shane Sweetnam on Pia Maria H joining Ward on the second step of the podium. The Northern Lights made their first podium appearance of the year, finishing with bronze on a roster of Hilary Scott (AUS) with 19-year-old Oaks Milky Way; Adrienne Sternlight riding Rebelline de Kwakenbeek; and Nicole Walker (CAN) on Panter JVH.
Jacobs and Rincoola Milsean were foot perfect over two rounds for the second year in a row at Highlands. “Everything just clicked today. All three horses jumped fantastic, and it went our way. Gregory is a fantastic course builder. He always asks the right questions without making it overly complicated or technical,” said Jacobs of Bodo’s course.
When Matz was asked about his horses’ incredible record—four clears in five outsings for the team this MLSJ season—he said, “He’s incredibly careful. He’s still a bit young and we need to grow together, but he has been incredible in these competitions and today, he stepped up again.”
Complete results from the $200,000 Major League Show Jumping 5* Team Class, presented by ClipMyHorse.tv and Mission Foods, are available HERE.
Earlier in the day, Manuela Gomez of Wellington, Fla., claimed the $15,000 B&D Builders 1.20m Classic riding Camilla Blue, owned by her father Jorge Gomez, who claimed the same win a week earlier.
“That was so fun—this is the best horse show in the world,” exclaimed Manuela after the prize-giving. “I didn’t think that I was going to do more than 1.10m to 1.15m with this horse, but she has brought me all the way to the 1.35m. She is so speedy, and we just understand each other.”
Manuela, 34, trains with Bluman Equestrian based in North Salem, N.Y. and balances her riding time with working full-time at a management marketing company.
Also taking wins in the amateur ranks, Ana Lisa Carr of Franklin, Tenn., opened the day on top in the Milea Estate Vineyard 1.0m Junior/Amateur Speed riding Free Solo, LLC’s Harrop Grigio. In the Frank & Eileen 1.10m Junior/Amateur Speed, Eva Tucci of New York, N.Y., won in the irons of her own Princip F. Damgaard.
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.