Derby Day at Spruce Meadows is always a fan favourite as riders tackle the derby course designed by the late FEI course designer Pamela Carruthers (GBR). Defending champion Richard Spooner (USA) would not ride the derby this year, having retired his derby partner Cristallo (19 years of age) last year.

This year, nineteen horse/rider combinations would tackle the tough track in hopes of making it to the winners circle. Since its’ beginning, only 21 clear rounds have been posted in 689 attempts on this derby course and today’s competitors looked to add to that. The rails were coming down throughout the course with many riders carrying forward eight or more faults as they crossed the finish line. Australia’s Rowan Willis changed that as he and Everse W crossed the finish line with just one time fault.

Only 21 clear rounds have been posted in this derby, and that would not change today. Despite great efforts from all the riders Rowan Willis (AUS) in his first derby took the win with one time fault. Andrew Kocher (USA) and Daniel Coyle (IRL) followed in second and third respectively – both with the only four faults of the day.

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