Wednesday – Multiple Wins for the Brits

The 2023 Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ CSIO5* has commenced and the TELUS Cup (1.50m) wrapped the opening day’s competitions. Forty-five horse/rider combinations declared to start the competition and step onto the International Ring to test a track designed by Level 4 FEI course designer Leopoldo Palacios (VEN). Fifteen horse/rider combinations representing nine nations advanced to the jump off.

Olympic gold medalist and current #4 ranked rider in the world Ben Maher (GBR) took two horses into the jump-off, doubling his chances of making it to the winner’s circle. Aboard Exit Remo, he laid down the fastest clear jump-off ride with a time of 39.98s. Maher also picked up fourth place with Enjeu De Grisien.

A horse and rider jumping a fence at Spruce Meadows.

Matthew Sampson (GBR) shown riding Fabrice DN; he had a pair of wins on Wednesday. (Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk)

“It’s been some years that I’ve walked into that ring and it’s just a different feeling, you know?” said Maher on stepping through the Clock Tower on day one of the 2023 Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’. “I jumped in arenas all over the world, but you walk through that tunnel and you have the incredible arena, the history, a lot of history here. When I was growing up, always dreaming that I could be able to come here and ride one day.”

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