Rumors have been circulating that the timing malfunctioned during the Rolex Grand Prix at Aachen on Sunday, and that runner-up McLain Ward actually had a faster time with Ilex than the rider who was declared the winner, Germany’s Andre Thieme and DSP Chakaria.
But you know how rumors go; they may have a seed of truth, then they often head south.
McLain graciously ironed this one out on social media, saying, “We want to thank our colleagues, supporters and fans who brought to our attention their concerns regarding timing irregularities in this video of the Grand Prix of Aachen.”
McLain and Ilex in the Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen. (U.S. Equestrian Photo)
“In conjunction with the CHIO Aachen organizers, their ground jury and our federation, these discrepancies have been fully and transparently investigated,” McLain stated.
“While it is clear the visual timing failed, it has been proven to our satisfaction that the computer timing record is correct and my final time was 39.86, .09 behind Andre Thieme and his phenomenal mare DSP Chakaria. (read the story of the class here)
“Congratulations to them and on their incredible win and thank you to CHIO Aachen and its officials for working diligently to resolve these questions,” McLain concluded.
CHIO Aachen had not changed the times in the results portion of its website as of Thursday afternoon.