The ATCO Cup 1.50m kicked off International Ring competition Thursday at the 2026 Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ — and with valuable qualification points on the line, there was plenty at stake.
For athletes hoping to compete in Sunday’s Suncor Winning Round, the ATCO Cup was an important opportunity, with only the top 30 placed athletes from the 46 entries earning their place in the field. Eleven horse-and-rider combinations produced clear rounds over FEI course designer Leopoldo Palacios’ track to advance to the jump-off, where damp conditions added another challenge to an already competitive class.
But the wet weather was no trouble for the Irish. Long-time Spruce Meadows competitor Conor Swail (IRL) showed his experience aboard the bay gelding Casturano. Taking on the jump-off with confidence and precision, Swail and Casturano left all the rails in place and stopped the clock in 41.30 seconds to take the win.
ATCO Cup 1.50m
1. Conor Swail (IRL) & Casturano
2. Nayel Nassar (EGY) & Orphea HQ
3. Jack Whitaker (GBR) & Skyfall OS
4. Carl-Walter Fox (SWE) & EKA Fist Navy Jack
5. Spencer Smith (USA) & Keeneland
Conor Swail (IRL) and Casturano win the ATCO Cup. (Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk)
Despite wet weather earlier in the day, the drizzle began to fade as competition got underway in the CANA Cup 1.55m on Thursday afternoon. Knowing the strength of the field, Palacios set a challenging track for the 54 athletes who stepped through the Clock Tower. Time was tight from the start, and only three horse-and-rider combinations managed to produce clear rounds and advance to the jumpoff.
With victory — and a coveted spot in Sunday’s CPKC ‘International’, presented by Rolex — on the line, Lillie Keenan (USA) and Kick On were last to return to the International Ring in the jumpoff. The pressure was on, but Keenan executed her plan with precision. The pair delivered a fast, fault-free performance, crossing the finish line in 41.03 seconds to claim the CANA Cup 1.55m and secure their place in the $5 million Sunday feature. Top Canadian in the class was Kyle Timm riding Casino Calvin, who had just a single time fault in the first round.
Speaking on her victory, Keenan commented, “Coming to the ‘Masters’, you always want to start on a strong foot, so it is great to get a win today. Every single class counts, but of course, we’re working towards qualifying for Sunday. After jumping clear in the first round, I knew I had done that, and my horse is just so talented at going fast. His name is so appropriate! When I went into the jump-off, I really just felt like we should have fun and do what we do best.”
Reflecting on the time allowed in the first round, Keenan continued: “I’m all for a tight time allowed, honestly, because I think the way our sport has gone, there are so many talented combinations. You can only make the jumps so big, and what makes our sport so special is that it is also an art. It’s about that unison between horse and rider, and you have to achieve that under time pressure. If you take away the opportunity to really take your time and reset, then finesse is what it comes down to. I think it was brilliantly done today, and it made for a really fun jump-off.”
CANA Cup 1.55m
1. Lillie Keenan (USA) & Kick On
2. Sophie Hinners (GER) & Iron Dames My Prins
3. Ben Maher (GBR) & Catelly
4. Kyle Timm (CAN) & Casino Calvin
5. Denise Lynch (IRL) & Vistogrand
Full results here.
Livestreaming info here.
~ with files from Spruce Meadows Media and Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping
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