For the first time in three years, Twin Rivers has a new story to tell
James Alliston has dominated Twin Rivers in recent years. But with no entry from him this weekend, his win streak will end and someone new will take the title. That alone makes this qualifier worth watching.
James Alliston has owned Twin Rivers Ranch like few riders have owned any venue at the four-star level in the US. Back-to-back wins at the California venue — most recently with HMR Rolan in 2025 — made him the name synonymous with this event. However, with no entries from Alliston this weekend, for the first time in three years, someone else will take the title.
James Alliston hasn’t competed internationally in 2026, but he’s been active on the national scene. He most recently won an Advanced class with HMR Rolan — last year’s September winner — at Ram Tap in March, where he ran five horses across Open Intermediate and Advanced. He’s still in top form and as competitive as ever. He just won’t be here this weekend.
So who may take the title instead?
Only three combinations will line up this weekend, but for the first time in years, the door is open. A new name will win here making this qualifier one you can’t ignore.
Karen O'Neal & Clooney 14 (59% Win Chance) arrive as the form pick. The 14-year-old has been competing at 4*-S level consistently since 2023, with a win and two second-place finishes at this level — and a best finishing score of 30.4 at Aspen Farms in June 2025. O'Neal and Clooney 14 will make their CCI5* debut later this month at Kentucky.
Cristina Rennie & Flight of the Arabesque (24% Win Chance) will contest only their third start at the four-star level. Flight of the Arabesque is the field's fastest cross-country horse by TSP at 77% having previously made the time at Aspen Farms CCI4*-S last year. Their dressage score may be on the higher end — a 37.3 at Temecula in March their most recent outing — but their XC record is the standout and could see them climb on Saturday.
Audrey Sanborn & Lex D (17% Win Chance) will make their four-star debut together this weekend. Both are young — Audrey just 25 and Lex D only 10 — but that brings potential, not limitation. Where they could really make a move is in the dressage: Lex D leads the field on a 6RA of 31.3, having scored a personal best of 26.4 in their only international run this season (Galway Downs CCI3*-S)
One of these three will write their name into Twin Rivers history - ending James Alliston’s streak that once felt unbeatable.
Check out the free fan guide for more stats, stories, and insights about the US Equestrian Open Qualifier at Twin Rivers this weekend.
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The Mission of the Open
The US Equestrian Open was born from a strategic Board of Directors decision in 2023 to build a permanent legacy for US Equestrian sport. Its mission is to grow and foster a deeper connection to equestrianism by delivering a premier, unified championship series in the Olympic disciplines. With top-level competition, storytelling, and a dynamic, entertaining experience, the vision is to transform disparate events into a cohesive, narrative-driven season. The series is anchored by core values which include fan-first accessibility, competitive integrity, storytelling, and a dynamic entertaining experience onsite .
The US Equestrian Open spans the three Olympic disciplines—Jumping, Eventing, and Dressage—with USEF contributing $200,000 in prize money to each final to ensure high-stakes competitive integrity. The Jumping Final took place at Wellington International from March 24–29, 2026. Next stop will be the Eventing Final at Morven Park from October 8–11, 2026. The season concludes with the Dressage Final at the Desert International Horse Park from November 11–15, 2026. You can follow along with the qualifiers, the unfolding stories and sport updates at www.
