Office Managing Partner, PWC, presenting the winners trophy to McLain Ward. (Spruce Meadows Media Services)

Calgary, AB - It was anybody’s game in the International Ring at Spruce Meadows today, with a rookie and veteran taking home first place ribbons during day two of the 2012 Spruce Meadows ‘North American’ ring.

It was a first for Nayel Nassar (EGY), who beat out veterans like Beezie Madden (USA) and McLain Ward (USA) to take home the 1.50 meter Progress Energy Cup. The course featured 16 jumping efforts over 510 meters of track. After 41 horse/rider combinations completed the tough track, 3 riders advanced to the jump off. In the end, Nassar emerged victorious aboard his 14 year old Belgian Warmblood stallion, Raging Bull Vangelis S. This is the first FEI win for 22 year old Nassar, who is competing at Spruce Meadows for the first time. “This place is amazing. It’s the smoothest run competition I’ve ever been to.” said Nassar, when asked about his experience at Spruce Meadows to date. “I’ve been here for three weeks now, and I couldn’t be happier with a win here.”

Winning at Spruce Meadows isn’t a new feeling for McLain Ward (USA), but the Olympic veteran says it never gets old. Ward posted two clear rounds over the course designed by Michel Villancourt (CAN), with 15 jumping obstacles and 495 meters of track. This win aboard the 11 year old Warmblood gelding, Rothchild, is Ward’s third FEI win at Spruce Meadows this season. “The level at Spruce Meadows is phenomenal” commented Ward after the victory. “No victory here ever loses meaning for me.”

Spruce Meadows presents family fun night on Friday, featuring hot dogs, Pepsi and International level sport. The FEI action continues tomorrow during the 2012 Spruce Meadows ‘North American’ tournament, with the Pepsi Cup and the Lafarge Cup.

Progess Energy Cup – Top 10

1-Nayel Nassar                        EGY                Raging Bull Vangelis S
2-Beezie Madden                     USA                Vanilla
3-Christine McCrea                  USA                Romantovich Take One
4-Beezie Madden                     USA                Coral Reef Via Volo
5-Reed Kessler                        USA                Ligist
6-Jonathan McCrea                  USA                Colorado
7-Mac Cone                            USA                Capone I
8-Nick Dello Joio                     USA                Zorro
9-Mario Deslauriers                  USA                Cella
10-McLain Ward                     USA                Antares F

PWC Cup – Top 10

1-McLain Ward                       USA                Rothchild
2-Beezie  Madden                    USA                Verdi
3-Tim Gredley                          GBR                Unex Chamberlain Z
4-Eric Lamaze                          CAN                Verdi
5-Sean Crooks                         USA                Armegedon
6-Tiffany Foster                        CAN                Southwind VDL
7-Lauren Tisbo                         USA                King Kolibri
8-Lisa Carlsen                          CAN                La Boom
9-Richard Spooner                   USA                Cristallo
10-Jennifer Crooks                   IRL                  SF Uryadi