Hyde Moffatt of Brantford, ON, emerged victorious in the $30,000 CI Assante Wealth Management Open Welcome held Thursday, July 22, at Wesley Clover Parks in Ottawa, ON.
A total of 22 entries challenged the track set for the $30,000 CI Assante Wealth Management Open Welcome by course designer Joey Rycroft of Calgary, AB. Clear rounds were hard to come by, with only three horse-rider combinations leaving all the rails in place to qualify for the jump-off.
When all three jump-off challengers again jumped clear, time became the only deciding factor. Ali Ramsay, 29, of Victoria, BC, got the jump-off started by jumping clear in a time of 41.84 seconds riding Bonita vh Keizershof Z, a 10-year-old Zangersheide mare (Bustique x For Pleasure) owned by Ramsay Equestrian Inc.
Moffatt then shaved more than two full seconds off of Ramsay’s time, stopping the clock in 39.67 seconds to move to the top of the leaderboard riding Grafton. As the last to return, it was all up to Christine Wiggins, 36, of Ottawa, ON. A conservative effort in a time of 45.45 seconds put the local competitor third in the final standings riding Cabaliero 2, an 11-year-old Holsteiner gelding sired by Clinton 1 and owned by Crown Meadows.
“It was a busy day!” smiled Moffatt, 42, who rode five horses in the $30,000 CI Assante Wealth Management Open Welcome. “It can be a lot of work, but I work hard on my fitness to make sure I’m just as capable at the beginning as I am at the end. Plus, I tend to get used to it.”
The hard work paid off for Moffatt as he took the win riding Grafton, a 15-year-old Selle Francais stallion (Calvaro x Vondeen) for owner Ariel Grange of Cheltenham, ON.
“He just came off a break and feels fresh and ready to go,” said Moffatt of the horse he’s been partnered with since 2018. “This is my favourite field in the east. It’s a pleasure to ride on this field, and it’s in the best condition that it’s ever been in, too. They do a fantastic job with the maintenance and the grass has good, strong roots. Grafton has always loved jumping off the grass and has always liked this venue.”
While his horse may love competing at Wesley Clover Parks, Moffatt has also been a long-time competitor at the Ottawa venue.
“Aside from the fact that it’s in a really cool city, the chance to get out on the grass field is a big draw,” said Moffatt, 42, of competing in the nation’s capital. “It’s a natural footing for the horses and used to be the norm at horse shows; now it’s a rarity. So, the opportunity to jump on grass is, first and foremost, the reason I love coming here. Then it’s the hospitality; they go out of their way to put on a good show for us. It’s not every week that show organizers go out of their way to put on a great event like they do here in Ottawa.”
Moffatt had nothing but praise for his horse as well, saying, “He’s the world’s greatest horse. Most well-behaved, friendliest; he would never put a foot wrong on purpose. He has an incredible character. He’s incredible for a horse, let alone for a stallion. He’s one of the favourites in my career. Not many horses can do what he does in the first place in terms of ability, but to have such a nice horse around the barn as well is a bonus.
“Thanks to Ariel for the incredible support and thanks to the organizers for putting this event on,” concluded Moffatt. “Without good owners and good show managers, we don’t have a sport.”
As access to the competition site is limited to essential persons only, spectators are not permitted at this year’s Ottawa Summer Tournaments. Fans can follow the action from the grand prix field via Facebook Live, presented by Terlin Construction. In addition, Saturday’s $75,000 RBC Grand Prix, beginning at 4 p.m., will be live streamed on Horse Network, also presented by Terlin Construction.
Remaining highlights of the Ottawa Summer Tournaments Week 2 include:
$15,000 Horseware Hunter Derby – Friday, July 23 at 4 p.m.
$75,000 RBC Grand Prix – Saturday, July 24 at 4 p.m.
$10,000 Giant Tiger Modified Grand Prix – Sunday, July 25 at 2 p.m.
For more information on the Ottawa Equestrian Tournaments, visit www.OttawaEquestrianTournaments.com. Full results are available at www.ottawaequestriantournaments.com/results. Get the latest updates, news, and photos by following Ottawa Equestrian Tournaments on Facebook here.
$30,000 CI Assante Wealth Management Open Welcome
1. Hyde Moffatt /Brantford, ON / Grafton / 0:0 / 39.67
2. Ali Ramsay / Victoria, BC / Bonita vh Keizershof Z / 0:0 / 41.84
3. Christine Wiggins / Ottawa, ON / Cabaliero 2 / 0:0 / 45.45
4. Alexanne Thibault / Boucherville, QC / Chacco Prime / 4
5. Susan Horn / Bolton, ON / Chacca Keeps II / 4
6. Mac Cone / King City, ON / Zaia di San Giovanni / 4
7. Kelley Robinson / Russell, ON / Blue’s Yer Daddy / 4
8. Nicole Walker / Aurora, ON / Excellent B / 4
9. Hyde Moffatt /Brantford, ON / Quintin / 4
10. Lauren Hayes / Mono, ON / Golden Boy / 5
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