The final day of the Spruce Meadows ‘National’ CSI5* presented by Rolex brought sunshine and smiles throughout the grounds. Fans filled the stand on the International Ring to watch the best in the world compete for top spot in the final competition of the week.
The CNOOC International Cup (1.50m) saw 64 riders start the competition to take on the big track by FEI Course Designer Peter Grant (CAN). The track was challenging with only eight horse/rider combinations jumping clear rounds to proceed to the jump off.
With eight riders in the jump off, some risk had to be taken in order to put the pressure on those to follow. For half of the riders in the jump off, that risk paid off. Amy Millar (CAN), Jonathan Corrigan (IRL), Luis Pedro (ARG) and Beezie Madden (USA) all posted double clear rounds, but it was Madden and Darry Lou who sailed across the finish line with ease to post the fastest time of 41.94s.
“Both jump offs I had to really go. These guys (Luis Pedro and Jonathan Corrigan) were really fast, same with yesterday. You take a shot and today it worked and yesterday it almost worked. That’s the way it goes sometimes,” – said Madden.
The Alberta Power Speed Challenge Begins
The 2019 Spruce Meadows Alberta Power Speed Challenge started today with the 2019 ATCO Classic Cup. This Speed Challenge will test riders on the same course over the four weeks of the Spruce Meadows Summer Series both on the International Ring and the Meadows on the Green.
The course features obstacles from various Championships including Olympics, World Equestrian Games and Pan American Games. This year some new fences were added from the 2018 World Equestrian Games in Tryon, USA.
The Irish have had a good week at the Spruce Meadows ‘National’ and today they added to their success. Jordan Coyle (IRL) who had a win earlier in the week, posted a very quick time of 77.23s early in the competition only to be bested be his brother Daniel two rounds later. Daniel Coyle (IRL) posted a fast time 76.86s that would not be beat.
“That was her (CHS Krooze) first time in the International Ring, she’s an incredibly competitive horse, really careful. Thankfully she just went in there (the International Ring) as if she’s going in there every day,” said Coyle.
Speedy Start to the Day at Spruce Meadows
The final day of the Spruce Meadows ‘National’ presented by Rolex started with the AON Classic (1.50m) speed competition. Competitors took on the track designed by FEI Course Designer Leopoldo Palacious (VEN) that featured various fences from past championships including Olympic, Pan American Games and World Equestrian Games.
Arturo Parada Vallejo of Mexico aboard Cornet’s Dream produced the quickest round with a time of 83.050s laying claim to victory in the competition. This is Parada’s first trip to the Spruce Meadows Summer Series.
More to come at Spruce Meadows this Summer
The ‘National’ presented by Rolex has come to an end but the Spruce Meadows Summer Series is just getting started! Join us next weekend for the ‘Continental’ tournament running June 12-16 for a full weekend of family fun and activities.
Looking for a fun activity for Father’s Day? Look no further as world class show jump is complemented by a full Father’s Day brunch sure to please even the pickiest of dads. With countless family activities and delicious food and drink options from all over the world, Spruce Meadows is the place to be this Father’s Day weekend. Click here for more information or to purchase tickets for the Father’s Day Brunch.
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