Thirty-five horse/rider combinations stepped through the clock tower to take on one of longest, most challenging courses at Spruce Meadows in the final event of the of 2019 Summer Series, the Sun Life Financial Derby, which was claimed by Rowan Willis and Everse W.
First unveiled at the Spruce Meadows ‘National’ tournament in 1985, the course is more than a kilometre long and boasts twice the number of obstacles of a traditional Grand Prix. The late Pamela Carruthers (GBR) re-designed her original course in 1990, and up to last year only 21 riders had turned in clean rides over 689 attempts. The derby features every natural obstacle in the International Ring including the ever intimidating Devil’s Dyke, the table top, the Double Liverpool and the famous Spruce Meadows Bank. It a true test of endurance for both horse and rider.
Jordan Coyle (IRL), who was on a roll from the morning’s competition, continued his momentum through to the derby and became the 22nd clear round ever posted. But it wasn’t over. Nicolas Pizarro (MEX), and last year’s winner Rowan Willis (AUS), also posted clear rounds. There would be a three horse jump off.