Team USA Wins the BMO Nations’ Cup before Record Crowd

Team USA have won the $350,000 BMO Nations’ Cup today at the Spruce Meadows “Masters” Tournament.  In front of a Saturday record crowd of over 69,000 the American Team jumped in championship form to win one of the richest Nations’ Cups in the World.

There were eight teams to start the coveted BMO Nations’ Cup at Spruce Meadows, each with four members selected by their Chef d’Équipe to compete for their country.  They battled over a course designed by Olympic course designer, Leopoldo Palacios of Venezuela which featured 15 jumping efforts, over 500 metres and a time allowed of 75 seconds. 

“I thought it was a beautiful course,” said Beezie Madden a member of the winning team.  “It tested everyone, yet was fair to the less experienced riders.”  The six best teams moved onto the second round, each holding on to their first round scores.  The winning team would need to have the best score over both rounds.

Today the United States bested the rest of the field, with an end score of 17 to recapture the title of BMO Nations’ Cup Champions. 

“I was very happy to have this team, they all know this venue.  They’re all great riders with great horses.  I’m just very, very proud and pleased,” said Team USA Chef d’Équipe George Morris, after their win.  The win was the 6th for the United States in the 33 year history of the BMO Nations’ Cup.  The winning team consisted of Olympic Team Gold Medalist Beezie Madden, along with Rich Fellers, Richard Spooner and Ashlee Bond.

“It was exciting to watch such skilled equestrian athletes and horses at this year’s BMO Nations’ Cup at Spruce Meadows,” said Bill Downe, President and Chief Executive Officer, BMO Financial Group. Presenting the winning trophy to George Morris, he remarked, “Equestrian fans, both novice and seasoned, were witnesses to a world class horse jumping show – one that will be remembered for a long time.”

Team Canada, which included Olympic Gold Medalist and Team Silver Medalist, Eric Lamaze finished in third position.  This was a respectable placing according to their Chef d’Équipe, Terrance Millar, who is eagerly looking forward to the FEI Altech World Equestrian Games later this month.  “Any time you can come to this venue and jump in this setting it is great preparation.  This is the perfect place to prepare for the World Equestrian Games,” Millar added. 

2010 BMO Nations’ Cup Standings

1. United States
George Morris, Chef d’Équipe                 

Rider                                 Horse
Rich Fellers                       Flexible
Ashlee Bond                      Cadett 7
Richard Spooner              Cristallo
Beezie madden                 Coral Reef Via Volo

2. Ireland
3. Canada
4. Switzerland
4. The Netherlands
6. Mexico

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