Wednesday, Sept. 4
Julien Gonin of France took day one of the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’, winning the afternoon 1.50m Cardel Homes Cup feature competition with his mare Estrella De La Batia. He won the 11-horse jump off, beating Olympians Steve Guerdat (SUI) and Ben Maher (GBR), who came second and third, fresh off their gold and silver medal victories at the Paris Olympics this summer.
A proud Julien Gonin (FRA) with Estrella De La Batia. (Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk)
Nonetheless, Guerdat, who rode Looping Luna, and Maher, aboard Exit Remo, earned a place in Sunday’s $3 million CPKC ‘International’, presented by Rolex, with the top three from today’s Cardel Homes Cup getting a guaranteed entry.
The trio topped a starting group of 41 horse-rider pairings to dominate the course designed by the legendary Leopoldo Palacios (VEN).
Julien said, “You always know, when you’re competing at Spruce Meadows, to expect the highest level of competition. I’ve known that since I was kid, working as a groom for Michel Robert (the legendary French show jumper).
“I would be working with the horses, and didn’t dare dream of competing at Spruce Meadows. Yet here I am.”
The day’s other star, Matthew Sampson (GBR), came 11th in the Cardel Homes Cup with Daniel, following his win in this morning’s 1.45m TELUS Cup, with gelding Fabrice Dn.
Lillie Keenan (USA) with stallion Kick On came second, while Kristaps Neretnieks (LAT) and mare Quintes were third.
Sampson also beat an exceptionally talented group of riders in that competition including Guerdat and Maher, as well as 2023 CPKC ‘International’ winner Martin Fuchs (SUI), in the one-round speed competition.
Thursday, Sept 5
Richard Vogel (GER) and United Touch helped boost the tally of our new charity fundraiser Jump for Jasper to $40,670 as they delivered a double clear in today’s 1.55m CANA Cup.
The amount reflects a two-day total of 83 clear rounds completed by riders in four International Ring competitions so far — with an anonymous donor giving $490 for each clear round delivered in the ring across the entire five-day ‘Masters’ tournament.
Following today’s CANA Cup, Vogel, the winner of 2023’s Rolex Grand Prix in Geneva, told how ‘very badly’ he wants to win Sunday’s CPKC ‘International’, presented by Rolex, to get back on track for Rolex Grand Slam contention.
Canadian Phil ‘Wizard’ Kim, the first-ever gold medal Olympic men’s breakdancing champion, delighted crowds as part of the entertainment programming.
“We want to win very badly,” said Vogel, who would need to win three consecutive Rolex Grand Prix events to win the coveted grand slam title.
“Sunday’s grand prix is one of the most prestigious classes in the world. I have United Touch which is an opportunity you don’t have often in your life. While I have him, I should try to win it with him. You never know when you will get a horse that can jump the big jumps so easy like he can.
“With him underneath me I have a good chance and the opportunity to do it.”
Second and third place CANA Cup finishers, Ben Maher (GBR) with Enjeu de Grisien, and Max Kuhner (AUT) on Elektric Blue P, also added a couple of thousand dollars to the pot as they went double clear on the challenging course designed by Leopoldo Palacios (VEN).
Earlier, Michael Pender of Ireland, and HHS Cornetta, triumphed in the 1.50m ATCO Cup, following an 11-horse jump off. Amy Millar (CAN) and Christiano came second, while Donald Whitaker (GBR), with Millfield Colette, finished third. The trio beat 29 other horse-rider pairings in the International Ring course, also designed by Palacios.
Full results here.
How to watch online and on Sportsnet: Spruce Meadows On-Demand
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