A Tale of Two Coasts: TerraNova and Galway Downs Deliver a Double-Header Weekend

The US Equestrian Open Eventing Series heads into its first of three double-headers of the 2026 season this weekend. The Event at TerraNova will see the Florida contingent tackle the 4*-S, while Galway Downs in California offers a first look at a West Coast field. 

Last weekend reshuffled the Series leaderboard, with Caroline Pamukcu moving into the lead ahead of Boyd Martin and Will Coleman, who moved into a tie for second. None of the three are fielding horses this weekend - leaving the door right open for the chasing pack.

 

The Event at TerraNova

TerraNova returns for its sixth consecutive year as a CCI4*, having first run at this level in 2021. With two editions held in both 2024 and 2025, this weekend will crown the eighth winner of the class.

It’s a venue known for testing jumping phases with only two combinations having ever finished on their dressage score and both came last year. Jessica Phoenix and Fluorescent Adolescent did it to win in March 2025 and return here to defend, as well as Brooke Burchianti and Cooley Space Grey.

Dan Kreitl and Carmango sit second on 21%. The combination previously finished second here back in 2023, posting what remains the second-best finishing score the class has ever seen. They missed the entire 2025 international season, so TerraNova marks their return to the level and therefore, their first time competing in a US Equestrian Open qualifier. On the strength of their history here, though, they'll carry plenty of confidence back onto familiar ground.

Dan Kreitl & Carmango at CHIO Aachen in 2023

Canada's Colleen Loach and FE Golden Eye come in third on 17%, and they represent one of the most compelling storylines in the field. Like Carmango, the combination sat out 2025 but they made a statement return at Bouckaert earlier this year, winning the 3*-S. Their show jumping record is extraordinary: FE Golden Eye has not knocked a rail at international level since April 2022, a streak that now stands at 17 consecutive clear rounds. Loach and FE Golden Eye were part of Canada's gold-medal team at the 2023 Santiago Pan American Games, and finished 6th individually. Their class is not in question but a return from a break at the top-level is.

Alyssa Phillips and Rockett 19 are worth watching closely at 16% win chance. At just 11 years old, Rockett 19 arrives on the back of three consecutive podium finishes, including a second at the Maryland 3*-L last October. He is one of the highest rated US 11-year-old's on the EquiRatings Elo - sitting ahead of Series regulars like HSH Double Sixteen and King's Especiale. This is the horse's first 4*-S, and how he handles the step up in level will be worth watching.

Alyssa Phillips & Rockett 19

 

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Galway Downs International

California's Galway Downs will be our first proper look at this year's West Coast contenders. It is also a reminder of a broader dynamic within the series. West Coast qualifiers are likely to always carry 40 points rather than 50, but with six legs on the western side of the country, the gap is far from insurmountable. 

Read more on whether a west-coast contender could win the whole Series: https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/is-the-us-equestrian-open-winnable-from-the-west-coast

Additionally, this is one of only two CCI4*-S competitions on the West Coast before athletes will head east for Kentucky. It makes it a key prep run for combinations targeting the major spring events and an early read on form.

Who wins?

Tommy Greengard leads the EquiRatings Prediction Centre on 33% with That's Me Z. The nine-year-old is already proving himself at the level: last year, the pair were second at this venue on their 4*-S debut, and have since added two more podium finishes at the level. Greengard knows what it takes to win a series qualifier — he took Aspen Farm last year with Joshuay MBF — and at only nine, That's Me Z is an exciting horse to follow this weekend.

Greengard also brings Balladeer Kilbrickens Lad on a 23% win chance. This will be the 11-year-old's 4* debut, but his international record gives every reason for optimism: six international starts, five podiums - two of which are wins. On these six starts, they have never once knocked a showjumping pole.  A debut at the short format feels well within their capabilities.

Karen O'Neal and Clooney 14 come in third on 17%. This is an experienced combination with wins at both 4*-L and 4*-S level. They are proven winners at the top of the game, and not to be underestimated. 

Megan McIver and Igor B sit behind on 13%. If you haven't read about how McIver came to partner with Igor B, and the journey they've been on since, check it out here: https://www.usequestrianopen.org/stories/seventh-into-selection