Spruce Meadows Canada One - Thursday

The $60,000 GWL Realty Advisors Cup was a difficult test for the 30 entries on the first day of the Spruce Meadows “Canada One” Tournament. Anthony D’Amabrosio (USA) put a course together that would challenge riders over the 16 jumping efforts over 520 metres.

There were five horse/rider combinations who cleared every obstacle to earn positions in the jump-off. It was a talented field that took to the ring, challenging for the GWL Realty Advisors Cup.

American Rich Fellers and his Irish bred stallion, Flexible came out in front of the jump-off crew. They finished with the fastest time but it wasn’t an easy accomplishment with some talented pairs going in ahead of them.

Calgarian John Anderson was the first to jump-off with his gelding Terrific. He manoeuvred the gelding around the 8 jumping efforts perfectly, as the pair crossed the finish line clear in a time of 44.45 seconds. The time to beat was set and the pressure was on.

The always fast Jill Henselwood (CAN) thrives under pressure situations. Riding her Dutch Warmblood gelding Black Ice she was speedy, clearing the course in 44.04 seconds. Fast and clear, a suit Rich Fellers would follow.

Fellers and Flexible came into the ring last, having had the opportunity to watch four go ahead of them they knew where to cut corners. They took every risk as they made their way around the ring, but it paid off for the pair as they came home in 42.70 seconds.

“Flexible is a special horse and a real fighter,” said Fellers after the win. “You saw that tonight. He slipped early in the jump off and we had to recover and adjust our plans. He responded brilliantly over the rest of a very tricky course. He fought for the win against some excellent competition.” The competition was no match for the veteran pair who showed tonight why they are always a pair to be respected.

GWL Realty Advisors Cup top 10

1-         Rich Fellers               USA               Flexible

2-         Jill Henselwood         CAN               Black Ice

3-         John Anderson          CAN               Terrific

4-         Antonio Maurer         MEX               As Hyo Hugo

5-         Eric Lamaze              CAN               Lord Du Janlie

6-         Will Simpson             USA               Black Cherry

7-         Ian Millar                  CAN               Redefin

8-         Beezie Madden         USA               Crème Brule

9-         Pedro Yrigoyen         MEX               GloConto

10-       Jonathan Asselin       CAN               Rayana Chiara

The “Canada One” Tournament continues until Sunday. Tomorrow’s feature competitions, the West Jet Cup and the Duncan Ross Cup will take place on Meadows on the Green. It is also the last opportunity for fans to come and watch their favourites play up close on a more intimate setting.