A Big Win for World Number One Steve Guerdat (SUI)
There was a lively atmosphere surrounding Meadows on the Green for the 2019 ‘Pan American’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex. Forty-seven international riders started the competition in hopes of making it to the winner’s circle. The technical track designed by FEI Course Designer Alan Wade (IRL) challenged the riders to jump 14 obstacles (17 efforts) clean in a time allowed of 87 seconds.
Only six riders were able to jump a clean first round and advance to the jump-off. Jennifer Gates (USA) was the first to go in the jump-off and laid down a solid clear round with a time of 46.73s. The lead didn’t last long as Capt. Brian Cournane (IRL) put in a clear ride with a time of 45.54s, taking over the lead. The pressure to be fast caused Eduardo Menezes (BRA) and Daniel Coyle (IRL) to have one and two rails respectively and just like that there was only one to go.
World number one Steve Guerdat (SUI) had been hungry for a win all summer with multiple top-three finishes over the last three weeks of tournaments. Aboard Venard de Cerisy, Guerdat kept his composure and sailed over the finish line with a time of 43.95s to win the 2019 ‘Pan American’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex.
“It feels really good. I really wanted to win one of the main classes, I was close many times, four/five times second and third, which was good but just not good enough. Someone was always faster then me so being last knowing what I had to do was a big relief for me. I am leaving Spruce Meadows a better rider and my horses are better too.” – Steve Guerdat (SUI) on today’s win and his experience over the Spruce Meadows Summer Series.
Summer Series success continues for Jordan Coyle (IRL)
It was a beautiful Sunday morning at Spruce Meadows to start the final day of the 2019 ‘Pan American’ Tournament, presented by Rolex. First up on the docket for Meadows on the Green was the West Canadian Cup (1.45m). Eighty-two horse/rider combinations took on the big track designed by FEI course designer Alan Wade (IRL) attempting to complete the first round fault free in order to advance to the jump-off.
Fifteen combinations passed Wade’s first round test and moved forward to attempt the shortened jump-off track. With fifteen rider’s in the jump off, the pressure was on everyone to have a quick clean round.
Fourth into the jump-off, Eduardo Menezes (BRA), riding Ennebel Van Het Posthuijs, put down a clean and very quick time of 34.61s. Jordan Coyle (IRL) was one of the last few riders to go in the jump-off and continued to add to his successful Summer Series Tour. Aboard the quick Anglo Sport Horse gelding Picador, Coyle flew across the finish line and by two tenths of a second secured first place.
Full results here.
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