Through a swift-falling rain, Kyle King (USA) emerged victorious in the $5,000 Kubota Welcome 1.45m, besting a competitive seven-horse jump-off aboard Dustin 254 at Thunderbird Show Park’s Fort Festival. Earlier in the day, Emily Ward (GBR) dominated the $5,000 U25 1.40m, securing a win aboard her own Millioninmind.

The Fort Festival is an Equestrian Canada Gold rated show, featuring $75,000 in prize money. Highlights of the week include Friday’s $5,000 U25 1.40m and $5,000 Kubota Welcome 1.45m along with Sunday’s $40,000 VOLVO CANADA Cup.

King and Garland Stables’ Dustin 254 capitalized on a new strategy, slowing down their overall pace and focusing on swift turns to secure a double-clear performance that had been eluding them. In the process, they earned the biggest victory of their still-new partnership, crossing the timers of Joey Rycroft’s (CAN) shortened course in 36.97 seconds. Langley native Brian Morton (CAN), now a stable rider for Spruce Meadows in Calgary, finished second and third aboard Cadillac and Crusador Z, respectively.

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