Twenty six horse/rider combinations took to the Meadows on the Green at Spruce Meadows tonight for the opening international challenge of the Spruce Meadows “Continental” Tournament, the Husky Energy Cup. 2012 Olympic Summer Games course designer Bob Ellis (GBR) set a 580 meter test that ten combinations were able to jump clear to advance to the jump off. Although the conditions were cool and damp the course jumped very well and the footing was excellent.
The jump off featured a mix of the sport’s biggest stars, seasoned veterans, and newer faces to the international stage. In the end there were just two that managed to post double clear rounds, with Canadian veteran Chris Pratt just edging two time Olympic Gold medalist Beezie Madden (USA) for the title in the Husky Energy Cup.
“My horse was very solid tonight,” commented Pratt following the victory. “I knew my time could possibly be beat but you also had to be careful and manage the course. It’s never easy waiting for Beezie to go.”