Kelley Robinson of Russell, ON, opened the show jumping season at Wesley Clover Parks in Ottawa, ON, with a hometown win in the $15,000 Julia MacAngus Memorial Grand Prix on Saturday, May 27, 2023.
Shane Wooley designed an inviting course in the All-Weather Ring which saw three horse-and-rider combinations jump clear in the first round and advance to the all-deciding jump-off. Robinson was the first to go and laid down another clear round riding Foolproof in a time of 36.10 seconds, setting the standard for the two riders still to come.
Frank Hendriks of Carleton Place, ON, was next to challenge and while he had the time in 33.71 seconds, a rail down would eventually leave him runner-up riding Chapeau. As the last to go, Robert Carey of Bolton, ON, had the final say riding Don’t Worry Farmer, owned by Millar Brooke Farm & DK USA Sporthorses. Despite stopping the timers in 35.15 seconds to also be faster on the clock, Carey dropped a rail midway through the course, handing the victory to Robinson.
“It was a great class with three clear. I would prefer that than everyone going clean!” said Robinson, 39, who operates Cimarron Show Stables and had 19 horses competing at the Ottawa Welcome between herself and students. “Shane did a really good job with the course. I had to go first in the jump-off, so I tried to go semi-fast. My horse is only eight so doesn’t quite know what she’s doing yet. She was clean and she was the only one to jump double-clear.
“My friend, Robin Hannah, bred her and I’ve had the ride on her since she was five,” continued Robinson of the grey mare sired by Conquest. “She’s a pretty special gal; a bit of a hot mamma. She’s traffic shy and strange, but she’s quick and she tries really hard. She’s really a special creature.”
The $15,000 Julia MacAngus Grand Prix was the featured event of the Ottawa Welcome tournament running May 25 to 28, 2023. The $15,000 Grand Prix was held in memory of Julia MacAngus, a promising local equestrian who tragically lost her battle with terminal illness at the age of 22. As the niece of Canadian Olympic team silver medalist Jill Henselwood, MacAngus had hopes of following in her aunt’s footsteps and becoming a grand prix level rider and trainer.
“I was really honoured to win the first Memorial Grand Prix for Julia,” said Robinson following an emotional prize giving ceremony where she was presented as the winner by Julia MacAngus’s parents, Shirley Fleming and John MacAngus. “I did know Julia, and winning it was a nice thing to have happen. I’m happy that they had the class in her honour.”
Exhibitors were invited to watch the Grand Prix from Wesley Clover Parks’ expansive hospitality tent while enjoying food from local partner, Lil Z’s Pizza, and complimentary cider courtesy of long-time Ottawa Equestrian Tournaments supporter, Pommies Ciders Co.
Robinson plans to compete at the upcoming Ottawa Equestrian Tournaments, now in their ninth season, including the Ottawa Summer Tournament I from July 5-9; the Ottawa Summer Tournament II from July 12-16; and the Ottawa National from September 14-17.
“It’s the best!” said Robinson of competing at Wesley Clover Parks. “It’s my favourite venue, and I’m always happy to be here. I can’t wait for the shows in July and the Major League. I love riding on the grass field.”
Major League Show Jumping competition returns to Wesley Clover Parks from August 23 to 27, offering CSI5* and CSI2* divisions sanctioned by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI). Attracting some of the highest-ranked show jumping athletes in the world to the Nation’s Capital, Major League Show Jumping Ottawa features a unique jumpers-only format offering more than $800,000 in prize money in team and individual events.
Adding to the excitement of Major League Show Jumping Ottawa, the Spurs & Sparkles Gala will kick off the week of world-class show jumping on Monday, August 21. Spurs & Sparkles offers one-of-a-kind entertainment, incredible prizes, and local craft beverages paired with delectable food from some the city’s best restaurants and vendors. Proceeds from the 2023 event will benefit the Queensway Carleton Hospital Foundation. Tickets are available here.
With her win, Robinson puts herself in contention for the Ottawa Circuit Awards, presented by Ride Every Stride. Competitors earn points at all Ottawa Equestrian Tournament shows hosted at Wesley Clover Parks. The Under 25 MarBill Hill Farm Jumper Bonus and Circuit Award are also back for 2023, with $10,000 in bonuses up for grabs.
For more information on the Ottawa Equestrian Tournaments, visit HERE.
$15,000 Julia MacAngus Memorial Grand Prix
Rider / Hometown / Horse / Faults / Time
1. Kelley Robinson / Russell, ON / Foolproof / 0:0 / 36.10
2. Frank Hendriks / Carleton Place, ON / Chapeau / 0:4 / 33.71
3. Robert Carey / Bolton, ON / Don’t Worry Farmer / 0:4 / 35.15
4. Karen Sparks / Nepean, ON / Lugano / 4
5. Mackenzey Nadeau / Stittsville, ON / HHS Fairy Fort / 4
6. Kaila Robert / St. Bruno, QC / Hesmee / 4
7. François Lamontagne / Saint-Eustache, QC / Tinka’s Soldier / 4
8. Julia Wiggins / Kanata, ON / Lynnford AS / 4
9. Vanessa Robert / St. Bruno, QC / Miss Peggy-Sue PS / 4
10. Beatrice Daviault / St. Damase, QC / Levaro Z / 8
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