The US-based New Zealand showjumper Sharn Wordley has finished third in the Zoetis $1.2 million grand prix at the HITS-on-the-Hudson in New York bagging a $150,000 third prize.
Wordley received a late invitation from show organisers keen to see him and his 10-year-old mare Derly Chin de Muze included in the 39-strong line-up.
Derly, who was previously ridden by former world number one Erik Lamaze and competed at the London Olympics, has been with Wordley for just under a year.
Worldey says Derly, who didn't even nudge a rail on her way around the challenging course, is a real candidate for World Champs.
Wordley is aiming to qualify for the 2014 World Equestrian Championships at the Nations Cup event in Wellington, Florida, in March.
Today's class was won by Nayel Nassar aboard Lordan, with Todd Minikus on Quality Girl second after a jump off.
