Calgary, AB - The sun was shining on the Spruce Meadows International ring for day two of the 2012 National Tournament.
With $32,000 on the line in the 1.45 meter ATCO Pipelines Cup, 67 horse/rider combinations took to the field. 11 riders made it through to the jump off on the 500 meter Guilherme Jorge (BRA) designed course with 15 jumping efforts. After a fast paced jump off, Richard Spooner (USA) rode into the winners circle aboard the 11 year old Dutch Warmblood mare Billy Bianca. Although this was his second win in as many days, Spooner has no intention of pursuing a spot on the 2012 U.S. Olympic team. “I’m not concerned with the trials, I’m not really looking for a spot on the team”, Spooner commented yesterday.
ATCO Pipelines Cup - Top 10
1- Richard Spooner USA Billy Bianca
2- Mario Deslauriers USA Urico
3- Jonathan McCrea USA Twister
4- Lauren Hunkin CAN Larry 0146
5- Tamie Phillips CAN Lerche
6- Daniel Bluman COL Clyde
7- Richie Moloney USA Slieveanorra
8- Cara Raether USA Saskia 269
9- Yann Candele CAN Game Ready
10- Jenn Serek CAN Eleonora
36 combinations were back on the International ring for the $32,000 Prairie Mines & Royalty LTD Cup, set at 1.50 meters with 15 jumping efforts. The course, stretched over 530 meters of track, and designed by Guilherme Jorge (BRA), narrowed the combinations down to 7 in the jump off. McLain Ward (USA) grabbed the fastest time of 33.47 and double clear, aboard Pjotter Van De Zonnehoeve, an 11 year old Dutch Warmblood gelding. This is a big win for Ward, who shattered his kneecap early in the new year, and is now getting back into the swing of competition. “It’s always great to win at the best venue in the world”, remarked Ward, the 2 time Olympic gold-medallist.
Prairie Mines & Royalty Cup - Top 10
1- McLain Ward USA Pjotter Van De Zonnehoeve
2- Rodrigo Lambre BRA Chepepe La Escondida
3- Beezie Madden USA Amadora
4- Mac Cone CAN Capone I
5- Jonathan McCrea USA Colorado
6- Caitlin Ziegler USA Herald 3
7- Eric Lamaze CAN Hunters Scedix
8- Antonio Maurer MEX Eeckenrhoode S Uno Momento
9- Caitlin Ziegler USA Valencia
10- Daniel Bluman COL Sancha Ls La Silla
The 1.60 meter Spectra Energy Cup was the second leg of the Spruce Meadows Canadian Show Jumping Championship title. With 19 horse/rider combinations starting, 11 made it through on the 555 meter course with 15 jumping efforts, designed by Guilherme Jorge (BRA). Through an exciting jump off, 17 year old Reed Kessler (USA) emerged victorious aboard her 10 year old Belgian Warmblood mare, Cylana. Kessler was close to victory on day one of the Spruce Meadows National, and was excited to experience her first victory on the International ring. “I’ve always dreamed of getting to drive in the golf cart down to the end of the field, accept the big check and lift the trophy”. Kessler is looking seriously at a spot on the US Olympic team for London in august. “I’m not going to compete this Saturday, but I think this week was a great setup for the trials next week.” The U.S. will hold 2 Olympic team trials next week at Spruce Meadows.
Spectra Energy Cup - Top 10
1- Reed Kessler USA Cylana
2- Robert Whitaker GBR USA Today
3- Eric Lamaze CAN Derly Chin De Muze
4- Eric Lamaze CAN Verdi
5- Federico Fernandez MEX Victoria
6- Tiffany Foster CAN Victor
7- Mac Cone CAN Unanimous
8- Antonio Maurer MEX Callao
9- Caitlin Ziegler USA Touch Down
10 Kent Farrington USA Uceko