I felt as if I were time traveling, right there in the Dixon Oval at the Devon Horse Show Tuesday night.
The featured jumper class, the $38,700 Jet Run Welcome, was won by Alex Matz. He’s the son of Michael Matz, whose most famous mount was Jet Run. And the arena is named after F. Eugene Dixon Jr., who owned Jet Run.
How many times had I taken photos of Michael and Jet Run in awards ceremonies? This victory by Alex took me back as I focused my camera on him in the round of honor; he looks a bit like his father, and his horse, Cashew CR (Cassini II X Udenna), is a bay with a little star on his forehead like Jet Run. Was I back in the early 1980s, or was I in 2023, watching the next generation continue a family’s tradition of victory? For a few seconds, I wondered.
Alex Matz and Cashew on their way to victory. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
A field of 33 encountered a challenge against the clock in the course laid out by Anderson Lima of Peru. The one-round test featured two double combinations and some long gallops, offering an opportunity to make time. Approximately one-third of the field, 11 competitors, was fault-free, but the times were all over the place.
Alex’s mark was 56.32 seconds, with Devin Ryan hot on his heels aboard Eddie Blue in 57.83 seconds. The slowest round where all the rails stayed in place belonged to McLain Ward, 12th on Callas in 79.66 seconds, incurring three time penalties for finishing over the 77-second time allowed.
Welcome class runners-up Devin Ryan and Eddie Blue. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
When the class ended, I went to find Alex’s parents to get their take on a spectacular effort.
“We’re very happy, especially to win the Jet Run trophy,” said Michael.
When I asked whether it brought back memories, Michael joked that he can’t remember that far back.
Alex’s mother, D.D., sparkled with enthusiasm.
“I’m thrilled. I just love that horse,” she said. Alex mentioned that his mother rides the 15-year-old Holsteiner more than he does.
“He’s been such a good horse since we got him,” D.D. explained.
“He’s such a trier. It’ hard to find a horse that tries like he does, and he does every time. He loves it.”
The victory was special to Alex for obvious reasons.
“It’s pretty cool. I have a great horse and to win the class named after my father’s best horse, riding wha tis my best horse right now, it seems too good to be true. It’s special,” he commented.
“With Cashew, I always think he can win the class. He tries so hard, he gives me a lot of confidence.”
When he was in school, he used to gallop horses for his father, who went from show jumping to being a successful racehorse trainer. Michael’s most famous racehorse was Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro.
Alex, a 26-year-old professional horseman, is a graduate of Vanderbilt University. Not surprisingly, he is interested in riding on U.S. teams. His parents travel to most shows with him and Michael helps him on daily basis.
Don’t be surprised if you someday see him on an Olympic team. Not surprisingly, he has that in his sights. He’s got the right attitude.
“The harder you work, and the longer you stay in it,” he told me, “the more realistic those goals can become.”
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