Spruce Meadows North American Friday Roundup

McLain Ward (USA) wins the 2019 ATCO Connect (1.50m)

The rain finally subsided for the start of the International Ring on Friday of the Spruce Meadows ‘North American’, presented by Rolex. Thirty-four horse/rider combinations entered the 2019 ATCO Connect (1.50m) to take on the course designed by FEI Course Designer Santiago Varela (ESP).

The one round competition tested riders to go as quickly as they could while leaving all of the fences up. The field of competitors made represented ten countries but it would be the United States that claimed the victory. Number six on the world rankings list, McLain Ward (USA) aboard the 10 year old Oldenburg mare, Noche de Ronda covered the track in a quick time of 58.15s – over one second faster than second place finisher Angel Karolyi (VEN).

“Here (Spruce Meadows) the level of competition is so high you can never take it (a fast time) for granted.” – McLain Ward (USA) on his quick time that held up in the ATCO Connect (1.50m).

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Delaney Flynn (USA) wins the McNerney Family U25 Cup

The McNerney Family U25 Cup was the last competition in the 2019 Alberta Power U25 Challenge. This challenge took place over the 2019 Summer Series and consisted of multiple U25 competitions where riders accumulated points based off their placings. The horse/rider combinations with the most points after the completion of the McNerney Family U25 Cup, will also be named the 2019 Alberta Power U25 Challenge Champion.

Maria Gabriela Brugal of the Dominican Republic riding Aletta was in the lead for both Alberta Power U25 Challenge and the McNerney Family Cup after producing a quick clear ride of 60.46s but Delaney Flynn (USA) wanted that International Ring Win. Flynn aboard Milan IV sailed over the final fence in a time of 58.84s to take the win.

Brugal took second place in the McNerney Family U25 Cup but won the 2019 Alberta Power U25 Challenge.

“I love it (competing at Spruce Meadows). It’s an amazing atmosphere and being able to compete where so many of the riders that I look up to have is an incredible experience.” Delaney Flynn (USA) on her first time competing at the Spruce Meadows Summer Series.

Germany’s Philipp Weishaupt takes the win in the Pepsi Challenge

The rain held off as the 2019 Pepsi Challenge began – the final competition on the International Ring for Friday of the ‘North American’ Tournament. Sixteen horse/rider combinations representing eleven countries started the 1.45m competition hoping for a trip to the winner’s circle and their name added to historic Pepsi Challenge trophy.

The one round competition had its tests over the track, and Philipp Weishaupt from Germany clearly well prepared for the test and made it look easy. Aboard Coby 8, Weishaupt effective and efficiently covered the course and crossed the finish line with no faults and a time of 61.19s.

“I’m very happy with how he (Coby 8) has been coming along. He started off quite green and spooky in week one to now winning here in the International Ring.” – Philipp Weishaupt (GER) on his young horse Coby 8 and how he has developed over the Spruce Meadows Summer Series.

Full results here.