Riders in the 1.45 meter, $32,000 AltaGas Cup had their work cut out for them. The course, designed by Bob Ellis (GBR), that stretched over 535 meters with 14 jumping efforts, saw 64 horse/rider combinations over the one round. In the end, Reed Kessler (USA) came out on top, with a time of 57.20. This win adds to the list for Kessler, who is looking for a spot on the 2012 US Olympic team. After placing 3rd in the Olympic trial competition yesterday, 17 year old Kessler is optimistic this win will help pave the road onto the team. The victory was her second in the FEI Division at Spruce meadows this season.

AltaGas Cup - Top 10
1-  Reed Kessler USA  Onisha
2-  McLain Ward USA  Rothchild
3-  Eric Lamaze CAN  Wang Chung M2S
4-  Beezie Madden USA  Vanilla
5-  Meagan Nusz USA  Dynamo
6-  Yann Candele CAN  Game Ready
7-  Rich Fellers USA  McGuinness
8-  Susan Artes USA  Karina 445
9-  Cara Anthony USA  Woodpecker De Villars
10-  Nayel Nassar EGY  Lordan

Canadians had several riders to cheer for in the 1.50 meter $32,000 Scotiabank Cup. With 38 horse/rider combinations in the field, designed by Bob Ellis (GBR) with 15 jumping efforts over 530 meters, 9 combinations returned for the jump off. After a nail-biting jump off, Kent Farrington was crowned champion with a clear jump off and time of 48.72. “I’m always nervous going in, I knew I had some fast riders after me, but I got lucky this time” said Farrington. Canadians did have something to cheer about, with Eric Lamaze (CAN) in second and 18 year old Calgarian Ben Asselin in third place. Asselin was thrilled with his placing. “It’s so flattering, to go in and be right behind Eric and Kent,” he commented, “I’ve won around the world, but coming home and placing in front of my family and friends is always that much more special to me.”

Scotiabank Cup - Top 10
1-  Kent Farrington USA  Voyeur
2-  Eric Lamaze CAN  Derly Chin De Muze
3-  Ben Asselin CAN  Rush
4-  Caitlin Ziegler USA  Touch Down
5-  Richard Spooner USA  Apache
6-  Eric Lamaze CAN  Coriana Van Klapscheut
7-  Tiffany Foster CAN  Victor
8-  Richard Spooner USA  Chivas Z
9-  Robert Whitaker GBR  USA Today
10-  Caitlin Ziegler USA  Valencia

The action continues tomorrow at Spruce Meadows! The second leg of the CN Precision series; the CN Performance World Cup Grand prix will start at 2:30 pm. Not only will the American riders be battling for first place, but also for a final spot on the 2012 US Olympic team.