Calgary, AB – The Spruce Meadows “North American” Tournament began today with the AON Risk Services Cup starting things off in the International Ring. The entry of 66 included some of the best in the world, but today belonged for one of the next best, Ashlee Bond (USA).
The 2010 edition of the Spruce Meadows Summer Series has been a standout for many of the next generation of great riders. Names like, Goutal, Cook, and Bond have been making their way to the top of the leader boards throughout the Spruce Meadows season, and that was the case in the AON Risk Services Cup.
FEI Course designer, Guillherme Jorge (BRA), laid a track that included 15 jumping efforts, a time allowed of 80 seconds, over a course of 530 metres. Of the original field of 66, eighteen moved on to the jump-off round. This is where speed would be key in the win.
One of the speediest riders in the sport is Ashlee Bond. Tonight she was jumping-off with her 11 year-old Zangersheide gelding, Chivas Z. They cut corners and rode hard around the shortened course to come across the finish line in 40.63 seconds.
That time was quick enough the put the pair into first position in the 1.50 metre AON Risk Services Cup. “Who knew he was a speed horse,” said Bond after her win. The pair have been together for three years and have suffered some tough breaks over the years.
“At one point I was ready to give up, I thought he was too much for me, said Bond. “But my dad told me he’d make me a better rider, and we’ve really developed a partnership,” continued Bond.
Coming off what Bond described as the worst week of her career, a win on the opening night of the Spruce Meadows “North American” Tournament certainly starts things off on the right foot. “I’m so proud of him, this win is so exciting because of him,” said Bond of her winning mount, Chivas Z.
AON Risk Services Cup top 10 –
1. Ashlee Bond – USA – Chivas Z
2. Henri Kovacs – HUN – The Real Deal
3. Brianne Goutal – USA – Nice De Prissey
4. Schuyler Riley – USA – Lapacco
5. Mark Samuel – CAN – Wembley 234
6. Jennifer Crooks – IRL – SF Uryadi
7. Guy Thomas – NZL – Peterbilt
8. Kent Farrington – USA – Valhalla
9. Antonio Maurer – MEX – Nickel
10. Eric Lamaze – CAN – Atlete Van T Heike
The final competition of the evening was the 1.60 metre Enerflex Cup. The entry featured 23 horse/rider combinations, nine of which moved on from the first round course onto the jump-off. One of which, Marilyn Little-Meredith (USA) with Blue Curacao, was finally able to show Spruce Meadows just what she was capable of.
With an elite entry, course designer, Guillherme Jorge (BRA), had a tricky job to do, challenge the best, teach the new and set a fair first day course. With 14 jumping efforts and a time allowed of 78 seconds he did just that.
Of the nine who moved onto the jump-off, there was Canadian Olympic Champion Eric Lamaze with his gold medal mount Hickstead, World Equestrian Game favourite Mario Deslauriers (USA) and Urico and the always threatening Pablo Barrios (VEN) with his top mount G&C Sinatra.
When you’ve never won at Spruce Meadows, that is an ominous list to be worrying about. Early in the jump-off was Marilyn Little-Meredith and her 9 year-old Belgian Warmblood mare Blue Curacao. They set the time to beat at 31.87 seconds.
“When you have two of the top horses in the world behind you (Hickstead and Urico) it’s a long wait,” sad Little-Meredith. Lamaze, who was gunning for a win in tonight’s Enerflex Cup left it all on the field as he aimed to beat the American.
His time was just shy, coming across the finish line in 32.22 seconds. With that Little-Meredith was able to breathe a sigh of relief, winning her first competition at Spruce Meadows.
“I’ve been feeling pretty snake bitten here,” said Little-Meredith. “My horses have taken time to adjust to the level and quality here.” That time paid off for the 28 year-old American, who added, “This is the first day of the tournament and it’s my best week here so far!”
Enerflex Cup top 10 –
1. Marilyn Little-Meredith – USA – Blue Curacao
2. Eric Lamaze – CAN – Hickstead
3. Mario Deslauriers – USA – Urico
4. Keean White – CAN – Celena Z
5. Katie Monahan-Prudent – FRA – Sassicaia II
6. Karen Cudmore – CAN – Southern Pride
7. Michelle Spadone – USA – Melisimo
8. Antonio Maurer – MEX – Charro
9. Federico Fernandez – MEX – Zorro
10. Pablo Barrios – VEN – G&C Sinatra
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