Friday: Mark Bluman has One-Two Finish in RBC Capital Markets Cup
The RBC Capital Markets Cup 1.50m delivered another thrilling Friday night at the Spruce Meadows ‘National’, presented by Rolex.
Thirty-eight horse/rider combinations took on the challenging 530m first-round track designed by FEI course designer Olaf Petersen Jr. of Germany. Featuring 12 obstacles and 15 jumping efforts, athletes had just 80 seconds to navigate the course and earn a place in the jump-off.
Mark Bluman (COL) and Inside My Heart won the RBC Capital Markets Cup; he was also second riding Phelina de Septon. (Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk)
Ten combinations answered the call and returned for the race against the clock. Among them were Mark Bluman (COL) and Robert Whitaker (GBR), each with two opportunities to claim the top spot.
In his first season competing at Spruce Meadows, Bluman put on a masterclass. He set the pace early aboard Phelina de Septon with a blistering clear round, only to better his own mark later in the jump-off with Inside My Heart. The pair flew across the finish line fault-free in 40.02 seconds, securing an impressive one-two finish and a memorable victory on the International Ring.
“It’s my first time here, so managing the long jumps and long rails it’s a bit of an adjustment, but you know, the horses fly on this footing. I’m not a huge grass rider myself, but this grass is unbelievable. Riding in there [the International Ring] is just the best feeling ever,” remarked Bluman.
RBC Capital Markets Cup 1.50m
1. Mark Bluman (COL) & Inside My Heart
2. Mark Bluman (COL) & Phelina de Septon
3. Emily Esau Williams (USA) & Cascarado
4. Gonzalo Azcarraga (MEX) & Cashstar
5. Robert Whitaker (GBR) & Equine America Gentlemen VH Veldhof
Full results here.
Saturday: Mark Bluman Triumphs in RBC Grand Prix of Canada
The RBC Grand Prix of Canada, presented by Rolex, took centre stage on Saturday during the ‘National’ Tournament at Spruce Meadows, welcoming 31 horse/rider combinations from around the world to the iconic International Ring.
Olaf Petersen Jr.’s challenging 570-metre first-round track featured 14 obstacles and a time allowed of 86 seconds. Only six combinations representing six different nations successfully navigated the course without fault to advance to the jump-off.
Making an immediate impact in his first-ever visit to Spruce Meadows, Mark Bluman (COL) rose to the occasion aboard Landon de Nyze, delivering one of only two double-clear performances of the day. The pair stopped the clock in 44.44s to secure victory in the prestigious RBC Grand Prix of Canada, presented by Rolex.
Jos Verlooy (BEL) and Nixon Van’t Meulenhof also produced a fault-free jump-off effort, finishing second in 49.02 seconds.
Rounding out the podium was Daniel Coyle (IRL), whose blistering jump-off time of 41.99 seconds proved the fastest of the afternoon. A single rail down left the pair on four faults, earning third place despite their impressive speed. Top Canadian was Amy Millar riding the 10-year-old mare Gaiete D’elle, who placed 4th.
For Bluman, the victory marked a memorable debut at Spruce Meadows, adding his name to the list of international riders who have conquered one of show jumping’s most respected venues. The Colombian rider leaves the ‘National’ Tournament with a landmark victory and a performance that will be remembered for years to come.
“I think everybody in this sport needs a little bit of luck. It’s a lot of things that need to come together in order to be able to do the sport at a high level. Starting from grooms, farriers, vets, owners, trainers and thankfully I count with a very big team behind me,” said Bluman following his win.
RBC Grand Prix of Canada, presented by Rolex
1. Mark Bluman (COL) & Landon De Nyze
2. Jos Verlooy (BEL) & Nixon Van ‘T Meulenhof
3. Daniel Coyle (IRL) & Farrel
4. Amy Millar (CAN) & Gaiete D’elle
5. Jad Dana (LBN) & Itchock Des Dames
6. Gabriel De Matos Machado (BRA) & Legaland Sandro
7. Vaclav Stanek (CZE) & Calippo 57
8. Conor Swail (IRL) & Clonterm Obolensky
9. Sameh El Dahan (EGY) & Oscar-a
10. Nicole Walker (CAN) & Panter JV
Results here.
Juan Pablo Gaspar Albanez (MEX) and Diareno Blue PS won the ATB Cup. (Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk)
Sunday: Juan Pablo Gaspar Albanez wraps ‘National’ with ATB Cup Victory
The 2026 ‘National’, presented by Rolex, concluded on Sunday with the ATB Cup 1.50m in the International Ring.
Thirty-three athletes representing nations from around the world challenged FEI course designer Olaf Petersen Jr.’s track. Competitors were required to complete the course within the 85-second time allowed, with only nine horse/rider combinations advancing to the jump-off.
The final fence proved influential throughout the competition, but Juan Pablo Gaspar Albanez (MEX) delivered when it mattered most. Producing one of only a handful of fault-free jump-off performances, Albanez stopped the clock in 42.17 seconds to secure victory in the ATB Cup 1.50m.
“It was a fantastic day… it’s always nice to jump double cleans on Sunday,” said Juan Pablo Gaspar Albanez after his victory.
Nicola Pohl (GER) finished second, while Eugenio Garza Perez (MEX) completed the podium in third place.
The next tournament in Spruce Meadows‘ summer series is the ‘Pan American’, presented by Rolex, June 25–28.
ATB Cup 1.50m
1. Juan Pablo Gaspar Albanez (MEX) & Diareno Blue PS
2. Nicola Pohl (GER) & Fee du val Guerard
3. Eugenio Garza Perez (MEX) & Contago
4. Jos Verlooy (BEL) & Renshaw Van’t Meulenhof
5. Gonzalo Azcarraga (MEX) & Cashstar
Results here.
~ with files from Spruce Meadows Media
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