Captain Canada, Ian Millar (CAN), captured the Akita Drilling Cup on the last dry day of the Spruce Meadows ‘North American’ tournament. Twenty five horse and rider combinations took to the international ring to compete for the $50, 000 dollar prize. The course designed by Werner Deeg (GER) proved to be a challenge, as only two riders made it into the jump off.
Sixteen year old Caitlin Ziegler (USA) aboard her thirteen year old Belgian Warmblood, Valencia, was first to compete in the jump off. With a total of eight jumping faults, Ziegler opened the door for the timeless Ian Millar who at 64 years of age brought home the victory with a clear round.
Millar admits that he would not let a sixteen year old beat him in the jump off. Aboard the eleven year old Dutch Warmblood; Star Power, Millar was true to his word as he took home the victory.
Although Caitlin and Valencia did not take home first place, Ziegler waited in the hitching ring to pose for a photo with one of the greatest Show Jumping Athletes to show at Spruce Meadows; Ian Millar.
In front of the packed crowd of 38 965 filled the international ring, the ‘North American’ tournament proved to be a showcase of talent from all ages. Now Ian Millar plans to give his horses a physical and mental break at home in Perth Ontario, as he prepares and remains excited to return to Spruce Meadows for the ‘Masters’ this September.
For a complete tournament schedule visit the Spruce Meadows website at http://www.sprucemeadows.com/.
Akita Drilling Cup – Top 10
1. Ian Millar, CAN, Star Power
2. Caitlin Ziegler, USA, Valencia
3. Jill Henselwood, CAN, George
4. Jennifer Crooks, IRL, S.F. Tin Tin
5. McLain Ward, USA, Pjotter Van De Zonnehoeve
6. Richard Spooner, USA, Billy Bianca
7. Hannah Selleck, USA, Es Carando Z
8. Kent Farrington, USA, Valhalla
9. Mark Armstrong, GBR, Green Sleeps Vioco
10. Daniel Bluman, COL, Sancha Ls La Silla
More from Horse Sport:
