Nine-time Olympian Ian Millar of Perth, ON, moved into the lead for the $100,000 Caledon Cup with a win in the second phase held Saturday, September 24, at the CSI2* Canadian Show Jumping Tournament (CSJT) in Palgrave, ON.
The $100,000 Caledon Cup, presented by Aviva Elite, Peel Maryborough, and RAM Equestrian, is held over three phases. Hugh Graham of Schomberg, ON, riding Executive Privilege 3E won the opening phase, the $20,000 Aviva Elite/Peel Maryborough Phase I, on Thursday before Millar and Star Power claimed the $30,000 Aviva Elite/Peel Maryborough Phase II on Saturday. Millar now heads the standings heading into the third and final phase on Sunday. There is a four-way tie for second place between 2009 Caledon Cup winner Graham and Executive Privilege 3E, Yann Candele of Caledon, ON, riding Carlotta Singular, Angela Covert-Lawrence of St. Lazare, QC, riding Utan, and Jay Hayes of Orangeville, ON, riding Leonidas.
In Saturday’s competition, a total of 27 horses attempted to negotiate course designer Leopoldo Palacios’ first round track fault-free. Seven succeeded while three others fell victim to clock. Karen Sparks of Ottawa, ON, riding Ferraro K, Margie Gayford of Sharon, ON, riding Calando Z and Beth Underhill of Schomberg, ON, all incurred one time fault for exceeding the 83-second time allowed.
Candele was the first rider to return for the jump-off, showing the way with a clear round in a time of 39.12 seconds riding Azzaro Van’t Hagenhof. Millar riding Dryden, Elliott Stone of Midland, ON, riding Caprilli HSF, Covert-Lawrence riding Utan, and Candele riding Game Ready all posted faster times, but at the expense of one rail.
Millar then entered the ring with Star Power. Putting his foot on the gas, Millar guided Star Power over the shortened jump-off track at a full-out gallop, stopping the timers in 36.53 – more than two full seconds faster than Candele.
Lauren Hunkin of Kemptville, ON, was the final rider on course, and despite her best efforts, left a rail on the floor with Larry 0146 for fourth place.
In the final standings, it was Millar with Star Power followed by Candele in second with Azzaro Van’T Hagenhof and third with Game Ready. Both Azzaro Van’T Hagenhof and Game Ready are owned by Susan Grange of Cheltenham, ON.
“Star Power now is in one of the finest stages of his education, and that is to learn how to apply all of his skills at top speed,” said Millar of the 10-year-old Dutch-bred gelding owned by Team Works. “He demonstrated today that he is learning the lesson very well.”
The win comes one month before Millar and Star Power compete as members of the Canadian Show Jumping Team at the Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico. Millar, who has already earned nine medals, will be competing in his ninth Pan American Games.
“This is a timely win as this is one of his final preparatory events before the Pan American Games,” stated Millar, 64.
Over 700 horses are competing at the CSI2* Canadian Show Jumping Tournament, which is sanctioned by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI). At this special event, competition and charity come together. Over the past two years, the Canadian Show Jumping Tournament has raised more than $70,000 for the Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada and has granted the wish for a horse to two lucky recipients.
In keeping with tradition, this year’s Children’s Wish recipient, 13-year-old Gabrielle Malouin of Meumier, QC, was granted her wish of a horse. Millar and his daughter, grand Prix rider Amy Millar, presented Malouin with her horse.
A Children’s Wish Celebration was also held on Saturday and featured a luncheon with live and silent auctions, followed in the evening by the Children’s Wish BBQ and Dance.
For more information on the Canadian Show Jumping Tournament, please visit http://www.equiman.com/.
$30,000 Avia Elite/Peel Maryborough Phase 2 – Saturday, September 24
Rider Hometown Horse Faults Time
1. Ian Millar Perth, ON Star Power 0:0 36.53
2. Yann Candele Caledon, ON Azzaro Van’t Hagenhof 0:0 39.12
3. Yann Candele Caledon, ON Game Ready 0:4 37.12
4. Lauren Hunkin Kemptville, ON Larry 0146 0:4 37.50
5. Elliott Stone Midland, ON Caprilli HSF 0:4 38.03
6. Ian Millar Perth, ON Dryden 0:4 38.19
7. Angela Covert-Lawrence St. Lazare, QC Utan 0:4 39.01
8. Karen Sparks Ottawa, ON Ferraro K 1
9. Margie Gayford Sharon, ON Calando Z 1
10. Beth Underhill Schomberg, ON Viggo 1
More from Horse Sport:
