(SPRUCE MEADOWS, Calgary, AB):  Team Canada entered the Spruce Meadows International Ring with a different look this year; instead of perennial underdogs they were the defending champions of the $350,000 BMO Nations’ Cup, the richest team event in the world.  They faced five other teams, each looking to beat the defending champions. 

Canada stood on solid ground after the first round. They held five faults and second place behind the World Champion Dutch.  Team Germany wouldn’t be discounted and mounted a comeback in the second round, posting a perfect score of zero.  The Netherlands struggled and suffered 12 faults in round two.  With Eric Lamaze riding Hickstead to a double clear, Canada’s fate was in the hands of Ian Millar who anchored his team for the second year in a row.  A sigh of disappointment could be heard across the stands as he had a rail in the BMO triple combination.  Team Canada would have to settle for third.

A jump off between the Netherlands and Germany decided the outcome of the BMO Nations’ Cup.  Germany’s Heinrich Engemann was able to ride clear while Dutch ace, Gerco Schroder could not.  With a great come back the Germans were able to earn their 7th BMO Nations’ Cup at Spruce Meadows.  “For the second year in a row, we ended with a terrific jump-off in the BMO Nations’ Cup,” said Bill Downe, President and Chief Executive Officer, BMO Financial Group.  “I am delighted to present, on behalf of all my colleagues at BMO Financial Group, the winner’s cheque to Team Germany.”

BMO Nations’ Cup Standings

1. Germany

2. The Netherlands

3. Canada

4. USA

5. Switerland

6. Great Britain

In the afternoons earlier event the BP Cup saw 36 entries come through the Clock Tower for the speed event.  Kyle King (USA) and his mare Estival can always be considered favourites when it comes to speed, with the mare’s long stride and the riders bravery they posted a very quick time.  Today King and Estival settled for second as the great John Whitaker (GBR) took victory with his gelding Casino. 

BP Cup Top 10

1. Casino, John Whitaker (GBR)

2. Estival, Kyle King (USA)                

3. Carlssom Vom Dach, Will Simpson (USA)                

4. Kanselier, Ellen Whitaker (GBR)               

5. Spitfire, Kyle King (USA)                

6. Ezrah, Richard Spooner (USA)                

7. Quo Vadis, McLain Ward (USA)                

8. Apache, Richard Spooner (USA )               

9. Perry Lee, Christian Ahlmann (GER)              

10. Rosita Fly, Jonathan Asselin (CAN)               

Tomorrow’s competition begins in the International Ring at 1:15pm with the $1 Million CN International Grand Prix.

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