While they had to settle for a hard-fought second in the Samsung Super League Nations Cup two days before, on July 31, American riders reigned supreme in the individual classes at the Hickstead CSIO.

Laura Kraut and Kim (Frey) Prince started the day off by claiming first and second in the prestigious Bun Leisure Queen Elizabeth II Cup. On Anthem, Kraut turned in the only clear jump-off round in a four-horse jump-off against Prince, on Couletto K James, and Great Britain\’s Nicky Boulter and Jane Annett. Beezie Madden rounded out the American effort in this ladies-only class with sixth place aboard Judgement as a speedy four-faulter.

Jeffery Welles matched Kraut\’s royal effort when later that day he topped the Longines King George V Gold Cup aboard Armani. It was Welles\’ first time competing at the prestigious Hickstead venue, and while he was the alternate for the Nations Cup team, his King George score gave him a tremendous debut. Welles and Armani were the only pair flawless over the two rounds of the class.

Great Britain\’s Nick Skelton on Russell incurred 4 faults for a rail in the second round for second place, while compatriot David McPherson rode Bob\’s Diamond into third with 4 faults in the first round. Welles was the only U.S. competitor in the King George V Gold Cup since team member McLain Ward suffered a broken collarbone in his fall during the Samsung Nations Cup. Ward has returned to New York to undergo therapy, and Chef d\’Equipe George Morris said he hoped Ward would be ready for the CSIO Aachen (Germany) on Aug. 23-28.