The sun was shining on Spruce Meadows as the ‘Pan American’ presented by Rolex got underway. Opening day featured a single competition on the International Ring, the Mission: Possible 1.50m, where 91 horse/rider combinations set out to begin the tournament on a high note.
Designed by FEI course designer Anderson Lima (MEX), the one-round track challenged athletes with 12 obstacles (14 efforts) all to be completed in a time allowed of 80 seconds or less.
Following an impressive first half of his Spruce Meadows tour, Mark Bluman (COL) returned to the International Ring determined to finish on top. Riding Phelina de Septon, Bluman delivered the fastest fault-free performance of the day, stopping the clock in 69.94 seconds to claim the opening international victory.
“They [the horses] grow a lot here. It’s a big atmosphere, it’s big jumps. So I think they come here and when they leave they’re going to come out better horses-all the horses have been improving well,” remarked Bluman (COL) on how his horses have been improving from competing at Spruce Meadows.
Mission: Possible 1.50m
1. Mark Bluman (COL) & Phelina de Septon
2. Jos Verlooy (BEL) & Parise van den Dael
3. Lillie Keenan (USA) & Emerlon
4. Jos Verlooy (BEL) & Etundel de Marocy
5. Ty Simpson (USA) & Fano Car
Results here.
Jumping action continues through Sunday, featuring the 1.60m AON Grand Prix, presented by Rolex in the International Ring.
Watch all the action here.
~ with files from Spruce Meadows Media
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