Jess Phoenix reminded everyone of her class last weekend in the TerraNova 4*-S, delivering a 1-2 finish that places her third on the US Equestrian Open leaderboard. But this wasn’t just a good weekend — it was one of the best in Jess's CCI4*-S career; a career that spans 164 starts at the level dating back to 2006.

One of Her Best Weekends Ever at 4*-S

From a field of over 20 starters, Phoenix and Freedom GS claimed the win, while Fluorescent Adolescent joined the party in second. It marked just the sixth time in recent history (2008 onwards) that a 1-2 finish has been achieved at a U.S. CCI4*-S from a field of over 20 starters — the last being Boyd Martin at Tryon in 2023.

Table-Topping Win Counts

The victory was Phoenix's fifth four-star win, more than any other Canadian rider of the last 18 seasons. And each win was with a different horse.

Looking at all international levels, TerraNova was Phoenix's 19th win which is a decidedly table-topping tally among her fellow Canadians. It's over twice as many wins as number two on the list.

Top 10 Scores

Both of Phoenix's 1-2 placings also cracked her all-time top 10 CCI4*-S finishing scores:

164 Runs, One Relentless Competitor

Jess has now competed 164 times at CCI4*-S since first appearing at the level in 2006, a stat that underscores both her longevity and commitment to the international stage — becoming Canada's most recognizable face in the sport.

We at EquiRatings have data on all international riders dating back to 2008 and between then and now, only six riders worldwide have more CCI4*-S runs than Phoenix's 161 (three of Jess' 164 were pre-'08).

As Diarm put it on the podcast: “Jess has always had firepower. In my time in the sport, she’s just remained constant.”

Annie added: “She's a national treasure. They call her the smiling assassin!”

Climbing the Open Leaderboard

"Form, confidence, and experience. That’s a scary combination if you’re chasing her.”

With her 1st and 2nd at TerraNova, Jess has jumped to 75 Series points and now sits third in the Open standings — just behind Emma Klugman (80 pts) and Phillip Dutton (175 pts). While Philip has already banked his six counting scores, Jess has more to come...

“It’s not just about the leaderboard,” Annie noted. “It’s about how she’s doing it — form, confidence, and experience. That’s a scary combination if you’re chasing her.”

Series Standings after this weekend:

See the full series standings, updated after each qualifier, here.

Freedom GS & Fluorescent Adolescent: One Win, Two Big Futures

Both mares are Kentucky-bound, with Freedom GS set for the CCI4*-S (which is another Open Qualifier), and Fluorescent Adolescent aimed at the CCI5*. Their TerraNova form gives real cause for optimism:

• Freedom GS: Boasts two of Jess's best-ever finishing scores at CCI4*-S (TerraNova Mar 2024 & Mar 2025).
• Fluorescent Adolescent: Clocked in just behind her stablemate, helping secure the historic 1-2.

What’s Next?

Jess Phoenix has made a statement: not just that she’s back on form, but that she never left. With the Morven Park Series Final in her sights and Kentucky just around the corner. As Diarm says:

“A strong Jess Phoenix is good for Canada — and great for the Open.”

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