The world’s top show jumping athletes entered the International Ring for the first time today as international competition officially got underway at the 2026 Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’.
Kyle King was the top-placed Canadian in the Telus Cup, riding Replay Touch V/D Stapelheyde to 5th place. (Rachel Sulman Photography)
Opening day provides athletes competing in the CSIO5* division with their first opportunity to tackle the International Ring and begin their pursuit of Sunday’s feature competitions. With qualification opportunities on the line throughout the week, athletes are looking to put themselves in the best possible position early in the tournament.
With many of the world’s top athletes taking to the International Ring, FEI course designer Leopoldo Palacios (VEN) had his work cut out for him.
The TELUS Cup 1.50m opened international competition in the International Ring with 62 horse-and-rider combinations. The one-round competition rewarded both speed and precision, with the fastest clear round taking the victory.
World No. 1 Richard Vogel (GER) proved exactly why he holds the top spot in the rankings. Aboard Chember 3, Vogel delivered a blisteringly fast clear round, crossing the finish line nearly two seconds faster than second-place finisher Martin Fuchs (SUI) aboard Falcon de Tijlia Z. Top Canadian in this class was Kyle King riding Replay Touch V/D Stapelheyde, 5th.
TELUS Cup 1.50m
1. Richard Vogel (GER) & Chember 3
2. Martin Fuchs (SUI) & Falcon Du Toultia Z
3. Sameh El Dahan (EGY) & WKD Aimez Moi
4. Aaron Vale (USA) & Helios Du Moulin
5. Kyle King (USA) & Replay Touch V/D Stapelheyde
Daniel Coyle (IRL) and Calippo 57 won the Cardel Homes Cup 1.55m. (Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk)
Later in the day, 21 horse-and-rider combinations produced clear rounds in the first round of the Cardel Homes Cup 1.55m. Spruce Meadows veteran Daniel Coyle (IRL) knew exactly what it would take to get the job done. Aboard the relatively new partnership of Calippo 57, Coyle delivered a fast and faultless performance, crossing the finish line in 40.24 seconds to claim the win.
“I think, for me specifically, knowing Spruce Meadows is a big help. Coming here as a first time, second time is challenging for the riders. Things are different here [Spruce Meadows] than they are anywhere else, as they should be – that’s why it’s called the ‘Masters’!” said Coyle.
Cardel Homes Cup 1.55m
1. Daniel Coyle (IRL) & Calippo 57
2. Daniel Deusser (GER) & Pepita Van T Meulenhof BR
3. McLain Ward (USA) & High Star Hero
4. Nicolas Sers (FRA) & Eleven de Riverland
5. Andres Azcarraga (MEX) & Contendros 2
All results here.
Livestreaming info here.
~ with files from Spruce Meadows Media
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