The opening day of the Spruce Meadows Canada One CSI 4* tournament featured a world class entry competing in the $60,000 Great West Life Cup. Spectacular conditions and an enthusiastic crowd greeted the starters over the 12 obstacle 520 metre Michel Vaillancourt (CAN) designed course. After a first round that featured challenges at every portion of the course, 11 managed to advance to the jump off, including some of the sport’s biggest stars as well as a couple of rising stars.
Ian Millar (CAN), Eric Lamaze (CAN), Richard Spooner (USA), Rich Fellers (USA) and Michael Whitaker (GBR) highlighted those advancing to the jump off. When the dust settled it was veteran Leslie Howard (USA) scoring somewhat of a surprise win with her young gelding Utah.
“He’s finally starting to get it. He has been a real project of me,” commented Howard after the win. “When you look at the horses and riders in this line tonight this is very special. I couldn’t be happier.”