It was the perfect week for show jumping in the Alberta foothills. Blue skies, warmer-than-expected weather, not a breath of smoke in the air.
Everything was in place for a spectacular return to the sport at Spruce Meadows … everything but the fans, that is.
Following all the Covid protocols in order to receive a National Interest Exemption for international sport, the venue in south Calgary was able to welcome its first riders and horses since it was shuttered due to the pandemic.
From riders to course designers to organizers, smiles were wide (underneath their masks, of course) as Spruce Meadows was finally able to celebrate its 45th season of jumping in what is actually its 46th year.
“We’re just happy to be here, crowd or no crowd,” admitted Ireland’s Conor Swail, “and compete for all the prestigious things we can again.”
The National tournament is the first of the three-event September Series, which amalgamated the summer circuit and the Masters in order to give riders a reason to be here.
The lack of fans, although noticeable particularly on the sun-splashed Saturday of the grand prix, was a small price to pay for the re-opening of one of the world’s top venues. The biggest event of the week, the RBC Grand Prix of Canada, was contested by 25 horse-rider combinations, but in the end it was a frequent winner of the class who emerged victorious once again.
American Kent Farrington – who had previously won the event with Gazelle (2018), Voyeur (2015) and Uceko (2012-13) – teamed up with Gazelle once again to capture the competition and pocket the $165,000 first prize.
Kent Farrington (USA) and Gazelle in the RBC Grand Prix of Canada, presented by Rolex, on Saturday of the ‘National’. (© Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk)
“They’re all different,” the 41-year-old U.S. rider said of the five wins. “Every time I was riding a very special horse, usually the top horse in my string at that time. Gazelle is 15 years old and in the twilight of her career. She’s had a lot of great wins here at Spruce Meadows. I was very happy to bring her back here after she jumped at the Olympics; it was great to show her here at her first real show back for the grand prix and she pulled off a win in great form today.”
Farrington and Gazelle were coming off a less-than-satisfactory showing at the Tokyo Olympics, where the pair did not advance to the individual final.
“I think tough circumstances for all athletes, with it being delayed by a year,” said Farrington. “There’s a big difference between a 14-year-old horse and a 15-year-old horse. I tried to bring her there in peak condition. I think she went great. I had an unlucky rail; no excuses from me. That was just unfortunate and I hope next time I do better.”
In the last major class of the week, the 1.50m CNOOC International, Egypt’s Nayel Nassar, who was one rider left knocking on the door consistently, finally was elevated to the top of the heap as he and his Olympic partner Igor Van De Wittemoere beat out 10 other jump-off entrants.
Nayel Nassar (EGY) aboard Igor Van De Wittemoere win the CNOOC International Cup on the final day of the ‘National’. (© Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk)
Nassar and Igor had their own incredible Olympic experience – representing his country with the first Egyptian team to qualify in 60 years. Together, they finished in 24th spot.
“It was already a huge achievement to get qualified,” said the 30-year-old. “If you had asked me six months ago if I would be in the individual final with Igor, I probably would have laughed in your face. He’s come such a long way; I’m so, so proud of him. He really showed all of his ability and his heart out there. We’re just looking forward to getting that done every cycle.”
Canadian riders had a very good opening week. Tiffany Foster won twice on her veteran partner Brighton while Erynn Ballard captured the 1.55m PwC Cup with Jack Van’T Kattenheye. Ballard added her appreciation for the Spruce Meadows environment and how much of a learning facility it is for young horses.
“What I have realized being back here is the horses need to come here to take the next step in their careers,” suggested Ballard. “When you go to repetitive places, Palm Beach and Tryon, not to take away from how good those shows are, they’re still not Spruce Meadows. So the horses have to come to Spruce Meadows and I feel the opportunity to be here for three weeks will put us a step ahead moving into 2022.”
All of these riders and their mounts have a leg up on the second week of jumping at the Meadows, the prestigious Masters tournament, which will welcome a number of top European riders. The big carrot? The CP International Grand Prix, one of the segments of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.
Full results here.
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