The $126k Reliable Equipment Rentals Grand Prix got underway Sunday afternoon at Thunderbird Show Park. With 34 entries from Canada, the USA, Venezuela and Israel, spectators were on the edge of their seats for a finish that put just three tenths of a second between first and second place. In the end, it was Ashlee Bond and Ace of Hearts who galloped to victory.

“I’m so happy with this little rug rat,” said Bond. “He was a horse that I didn’t really want to ride because he was always looking to go sideways, back to barn, bite your foot, kick at your leg, spin and rear and all that crazy stuff, but he has grown up a lot. I always knew that if he could pull it together he would be an amazing horse because he’s so fast and so careful.”

Course designer, Peter Holmes, challenged riders with a technical track that included a difficult triple combination and a 1.65m wide oxer to finish the round. Ten advanced to the jump off, which promised to be lighting fast with Rich Fellers, Richard Spooner, Susan Hutchison, Andres Rodriguez and Ashley Bond all in the order.

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