The ATCO Cup 1.50m marked the start of competition in the International Ring for the second day of the Spruce Meadows ‘National’, presented by Rolex. Thirty-three horse/rider combinations took on the challenging track set by FEI course designer Anthony D’Ambrosio (USA). Three combinations – Kyle King (USA) with Etalon, Mario Deslauriers (CAN) aboard Uris de la Roque, and Conor Swail (IRL) riding Nadal Hero & DB – were clear in round one and proceeded to the jump-off. King was first into the ring and did his best to lay down a quick time, but carried 8 faults to his final score. Deslauriers, who was Canada’s lone show jumper at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, had a quick, clear ride with a time of 41.65 seconds that could not be beaten by Swail, who followed closely with a time of 41.77.
First Win of the Summer Series for Kent Farrington
The RBC Capital Markets Cup was the final opportunity for riders not previously qualified to gain entry into Saturday’s RBC Grand Prix, presented by Rolex. Thirty-three athletes entered the evening competition hoping for a trip to the winner’s circle. Of those who completed the first round, only eight produced clear rounds and advanced to the jump-off.
Katherine Strauss (USA), a recent university graduate coached by John and Beezie Madden, posted an early clear ride aboard Fair Field and then a clear jump-off time to beat of 43.25 seconds. The only rider to put in a faster round was former world #1 ranked rider Kent Farrington (USA) aboard Orafina with a clear jump-off time of 41.27.
“It’s great to be back at Spruce Meadows, I’ve brought a big group of horses [with me]. I think it’s great sport and great for the horses to be here,” said Farrington following his win.
Another Win on Day 2 for Juan Jose Zendejas
It was another big day in the North American Ring at Spruce Meadows, with 56 entries in the AltaGas Cup 1.45m and over 85 entries in the Friends of the Meadows 1.40m. The AltaGas Cup had a field of 17 riders make it into the the jump-off, including the previous day’s winner Mario Deslauriers (CAN), this time riding Cloud 39, Matthew Sampson (GBR) with Ebolensky, and Juan Jose Zendejas (MEX). Zendejas, aboard Tino La Chapelle, would claim the victory with Deslauriers and Sampson coming in second and third, respectively.
Over 85 horse/rider combinations started the Friends of the Meadows competition, with 21 clear in the first round. Charlise Casas (USA) and Stena proved the fastest, posting a clear round in a time of 41.11 seconds.
More tournament information HERE.
~ with files from Spruce Meadows Media
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