Jump number seven was costly in today’s $75,000 BP Cup at Spruce Meadows. Course designer Leopoldo Palacios (VEN) cost 18 horse/rider combinations a chance at victory when he added that jump to his 18 jumping effort 600 metre course.
Rich Fellers of the United States is an experienced rider who didn’t let fence number seven get the best of him or his veteran gelding McGuinnes, “The little skinny is a notoriously difficult jump, it’s very unimpressive and the cups are very shallow,” explained Fellers.
Fellers and McGuinnes have not competed together for two years after the 14 year-old Irish Bred suffered an injury. Fellers has been easing McGuinness back into competition but the gelding proved today that he is ready. They were perfect around the course coming across the finish line in 79.57 seconds.
Cameron Hanley (IRL) gave Fellers a run for his money. Hanley sped his 11 year-old Dutch Warmblood mare VDL Rocksina HD around the course with a running time of 77.21 seconds. It was the second last fence that cost Hanley victory, settling for a time of 81.21 seconds.
Victory was sweet for Fellers and McGuinness who are back on track to being one of the best pairs in show jumping. “I think he’s in his prime,” said Fellers of his BP Cup winning mount.
BP Cup top 10
1- Rich Fellers USA McGuinness
2- Tim Stockdale GBR Fresh Direct Kalico Bay
3- Cameron Hanley IRL VDL Rocksina HD
4- Hannah Selleck USA Tosca
5- Beezie Madden USA Exclusive
6- Carla Diewert CAN Vaquero
7- Steve Guerdat SUI Ferrari VI
8- Rich Fellers USA Kilkenny Rindo
9- Michel Robert FRA What’s Next
10- McLain Ward USA Miss Liberty 7
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