The Inaugural Royal West Tournament kicked off last night with a vast turnout of thirty-seven FEI riders competing in the $40,000 Norton Rose Fulbright CSI** Cup. Tamie Phillips took the lead early on in the class and held it throughout with a blazing fast time of 64 seconds and change aboard her nine-year-old mare Cat Balou.

John Anderson, President of the Royal West Tournament, was impressed with the turnout for last night’s event. “It was great to see such a strong field in the opening class here at the Inaugural Royal West. I think it speaks volumes to the support that the riders are giving this event. The whole day was just fantastic; it went off without a hitch. We were all nervous, we didn’t know what to expect, and we were thrilled it went so smoothly.”

Canadian Olympian Jill Henselwood, one of Royal West’s most decorated FEI riders, had a great evening finishing second aboard Bolero HX and fifth aboard her second mount Quidam Blue, setting herself up to be in a great position heading into the next rounds of competition. Beda Wachter and On the Rocks closed out the top three with the clock stopping just milliseconds behind the top two riders. Internationally, Venezuela was well represented in last night’s results with Andres Rodriguez and Caballito finishing fourth.

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