Alex Matz and Cashew CR Capture Another Victory in FEI 4* Welcome Stakes at the Upperville Colt & Horse Show, Presented by MARS Equestrian™

UPPERVILLE, VA — On Friday, Alex Matz and Cashew CR were again unstoppable at the Upperville Colt & Horse Show presented by MARS Equestrian™, taking top honors for the second day of international competition in the $62,500 FEI 4* Upperville Welcome Stakes, sponsored by Michael and Wendy Smith.

Matz and Cashew delivered a fault-free jump-off round in a swift time of 36.75 seconds, securing the win over a competitive field of 33 horse and rider combinations. Michael and Wendy Smith, longtime supporters of the Upperville Colt & Horse Show, returned as presenting sponsors of the Welcome Stakes, continuing their commitment to top-level equestrian sport in the United States.

Second place went to Katie Dinan and Atika des Hauts Vents (38.54 seconds), while Sloane Coles and Ninja JW Van de Moerhoeve (38.83 seconds) placed third.

“I know him so well. He gives me all the confidence in the world because of his talent and competitiveness,” Matz praised his partner of 11 years. “It feels like it’s my class to lose on a horse like that. He’s naturally very fast, so I simply have to guide him and he usually takes care of the rest.”

Matz paid particular attention to Aaron Vale’s jump-off aboard Styles, where Vale successfully navigated two inside turns to take the early lead in the class.

“I was really impressed with Aaron’s round; I didn’t think I was going to be able to do the inside turns, but I knew I had to do everything I could to try to beat him,” he said. “The risks I took paid off and I got lucky!”

During the course walk, torrential rain descended over the showgrounds, delaying the start, but it didn’t affect Matz’s plan for the class.

“Credit to the team here at Upperville,” he said. “The ring drained tremendously, the schooling ring was good, and the show management did a great job.”

The FEI 4* Upperville Welcome Stakes is a key lead-up class to Sunday’s $200,000 Upperville Jumper Classic CSI4* and part of a full week of international competition under the oaks at Grafton Farm. The class drew riders from across North America, Europe, and Latin America, each vying for critical points and prize money.

Sponsors of the 2025 Upperville Colt & Horse Show include presenting sponsor MARS Equestrian™, Ethel M. Chocolates®, Koons Motors, Michael and Wendy Smith, Lugano Diamonds, The Salamander Collection, B&D Builders, Markel Insurance, and Delta Air Lines.

For full results and livestream access, visit upperville.com.

Photo courtesy of Erin Gilmore Photo.

Posted on: June 9, 2025