It is considered show jumping’s biggest day on the annual FEI calendar. With a $3,000,000 purse it’s no surprise why the CP ‘International’ presented by Rolex is the most prestigious Grand Prix in the sport. It is also offers the sport’s biggest, most technical and demanding test.
The CP ‘International’, presented by Rolex is also part of the prestigious Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. The Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’, along with CHIO Aachen, CHI Geneva and The Dutch Masters make up the roster of coveted tournaments in the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.
48 horse rider combinations made their way through the the iconic Clock Tower and onto the International Ring to take on the track designed by FEI couse designer Leopoldo Palacious (VEN). Round one of the Grand Prix featured 615m of track and 14 fences – all had to be cleared in a a time of 93s or less.
Added pressure on the day fell to Kent Farrington (USA). He is gunning for his chance at the incredible bonus, and to continue his journey in the Rolex Grand Slam series, following his Rolex Grand Prix victory in July in Aachen, Germany.
The top twelve riders from round one return for round two in reverse order based on their score from round one (best score goes last). Eight clear rounds, three on a single time fault and the fastest of the four faulters rounded out the top twelve. Farrington was among those that failed to make the cut.
The second round was an incredibly tough course made up of 11 obstacles (14 jumping efforts) and 435m of track. With two horses left to go, Rowan Willis (AUS) was in top spot on four faults (from round two) and Max Kuhner (AUT) in second. Beezie Madden (USA) was up next a delivered a round with nothing but one time fault. It was a dramatic finish as Eric Lamaze (CAN) was the final rider, but two rail on course secured the win for Madden.
“This is such an amazing place (Spruce Meadows) it’s an honour to be here. Any win is fantastic but I’d have to say this one is pretty special” – Beezie Madden (USA) on her win in the 2019 CP ‘International’ presented by Rolex, part of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.
Full results here.
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