A Dream Come True for Matthew Sampson
Thirty-six riders qualified throughout the week for the RBC Grand Prix, presented by Rolex. Anthony D’Ambrosio designed a challenging track, but six riders representing six nations rode clear rounds and made it into the jump-off.
It was an emotional win for Matthew Sampson, 31, of Great Britain, who grew up watching Spruce Meadows on TV with the dream of competing and winning a big FEI 5* event in the International Ring. Aboard Fabrice DN he laid down a quick, clear ride in the jump-off with a time of 38.93 seconds. Conor Swail (IRL) with Count Me In and Canada’s Erynn Ballard riding Gakhir could not catch him and had to settle for second and third, respectively.
“It’s my first five-star Grand Prix win and for it to be at Spruce Meadows – it’s a dream come true,” said Sampson. “I grew up watching the greats compete here, it’s what I worked for.”
Sam Walker (CAN) Wins the AON Winning Round
After a damp evening, the sun came out for the start of the 2022 AON Winning Round 1.40m. Thirty-five horse/rider combinations qualified for the competition through competitions earlier in the week.
Among a field of veteran riders, young Canadian rider Sam Walker and Evita proved untouchable. The duo posted the fastest clear ride in the final round in Walker’s first trip to the International Ring. The win came aboard MarBill Hill’s 13-year-old KWPN mare with which he has been partnered since 2020.
Hannah Selleck (USA) Wins the TC Energy Cup
The TC Energy Cup 1.30m welcomed 79 horse/rider combinations to the North American Ring over a track laid out by FEI course designer Peter Grant (CAN). A dozen horses and riders jumped clear in the jump-off, led by Hannah Selleck (USA) riding Rumpleteazer DF. The pair’s quick time of 44.71 seconds, narrowly edged Canadians Braden James and Fair Play and Eric Krawitt and Chicago CM.
More tournament information HERE.
~with files from Spruce Meadows Media
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