Jacqueline Steffens Daly of Harriston, ON, opened the 2024 Royal Horse Show, held as part of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, by winning Phase One of the $125,000 Henry Equestrian Canadian Show Jumping Championship on Friday, November 1, in Toronto, ON.
Steffens Daly leads the way ahead of Saturday’s final after winning the $25,000 Henry Equestrian Canadian Show Jumping Championship – Round One, where speed was the name of the game. The 30-year-old professional gained winning momentum aboard her longtime partner Freaky over the speed track set by Oscar Soberon of the United States, who is making his Royal course designing debut. Even with a rail down, which added three seconds to her original time, Steffens Daly delivered the winning time in an uncatchable 63.16 seconds.
Two-time Canadian Olympian Amy Millar of Perth, ON, finished with one of only four clear rounds to take second place. She piloted Jelvinia MB for owner J-Team to a time of 64.92 seconds. Carly Campbell-Cooper of Omemee, ON, finished third on a clear round in 66.91 seconds riding Baretino PS for owners Ashlynn Crowley and John Jamieson.
“This is an incredible horse show and like many Canadian riders, growing up The Royal was that special finale for the year and a big goal,” said Steffens Daly who first competed at the Royal Horse Show as a 10-year-old in the medium pony division. “To be back and have it go well is so special.
“Freaky has had a fantastic year,” continued Steffens Daly of the 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Darco x Litho X). “He felt great coming in and I couldn’t ask for better results. I like this format, and he feels in good form. It’s on me to do my part tomorrow.”
The top Canadian riders will return to the Coca-Cola Coliseum in reverse order of standing to face the final round of the $100,000 Henry Equestrian Canadian Show Jumping Championship on Saturday evening, November 2, to determine the 2024 national title holder. Steffens Daly will be in the advantageous position of returning last in front of a crowd brimming with national pride as she attempts to win her first Canadian Championship title.
Kendal Lehari aboard Audacious is presented as the winner following the first round of the Mad Barn Indoor Eventing Challenge. Making the presentation is Dr. Emily Gilbert, Performance Science Specialist, Mad Barn. (Ben Radvanyi Photography)
Mad Barn Indoor Eventing Challenge
Opening night at the Royal Horse Show kicked off with the fan-favourite Mad Barn Indoor Eventing Challenge, which brought the adrenaline-pumping thrill of cross-country to an indoor setting. Featuring a combination of show jumping and natural cross-country obstacles, the course designed by world-renowned Captain Mark Phillips of Great Britain challenged horses and riders to be both daring and accurate across the speed track.
Canada’s own Kendal Lehari of Uxbridge, ON, leads the way after the opening round. She finished penalty-free in 85.34 seconds aboard Audacious, owned by her mother, Gwen Lehari. Boyd Martin, the visiting U.S. rider and a four-time eventing Olympian, sits in second after posting a clean time of 86.84 seconds riding Catarina for owner Nancy Hathaway. Canadian Olympian Jessica Phoenix rounded out the top three with a clear time of 91.17 seconds on Cosmo GS, owned by Charlotte Schickedanz.
The overall winner of the Mad Barn Indoor Eventing Challenge will be crowned after the second round on Saturday evening, November 2.
The Royal offers numerous hospitality experiences, which sell out quickly due to their popularity. A limited number of tables remain for the Royal Terrace while the Coliseum’s Sky Suites offer stables and groups their own private suites. The Tanbark Club will continue to be open to Gold and Platinum VIP ticket holders. Contact Helen Dillon, hdillon@royalfair.org, for more information.
For more information on the Royal Horse Show, including daily schedules and to purchase tickets, visit www.royalfair.org/royalhorseshow. Also, download the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair app for more news and information at your fingertips!
$25,000 Henry Equestrian Canadian Show Jumping Championship – Round 1
Friday, November 1
Rider / Hometown / Horse / Time
1. Jacqueline Steffens Daly / Harriston, ON / Freaky / 63.16
2. Amy Millar / Perth, ON / Jelvinia MB / 64.92
3. Carley Campbell-Cooper / Omemee, ON / Baretino PS / 66.91
4. Tiffany Foster / Langley, BC / Electrique / 66.98
5. Nicole Walker / Aurora, ON / Atout des Trambles / 69.48
6. Mario Deslauriers / New York, NY / Costa Quick PS / 70.38
7. Sean Jobin / Toronto, ON / Coquelicot vh Heuvelland Z / 70.83
8. Rachel Schnurr / New Hamburg, ON / Copain de Picobello Z / 71.85
9. Vanessa Mannix / Calgary, AB / Lehar / 73.01
10. David Arcand / Boisbriand, QC / Phil v/h Wezelse Heihoeve / 73.96
Full results here.
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