A Dream Come True for Matthew Sampson
Thirty-six riders qualified throughout the week for the RBC Grand Prix, presented by Rolex. Anthony D’Ambrosio designed a challenging track, but six riders representing six nations rode clear rounds and made it into the jump-off.
It was an emotional win for Matthew Sampson, 31, of Great Britain, who grew up watching Spruce Meadows on TV with the dream of competing and winning a big FEI 5* event in the International Ring. Aboard Fabrice DN he laid down a quick, clear ride in the jump-off with a time of 38.93 seconds. Conor Swail (IRL) with Count Me In and Canada’s Erynn Ballard riding Gakhir could not catch him and had to settle for second and third, respectively.
“It’s my first five-star Grand Prix win and for it to be at Spruce Meadows – it’s a dream come true,” said Sampson. “I grew up watching the greats compete here, it’s what I worked for.”