Andy Fraser President, Finning Canada, presenting the winners trophy to Jerome Hurel. (Spruce Meadows Media Services)

Calgary, Alberta - Opening day of the 2012 Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament lived up to all expectations.

Fifty-three horse/rider combinations from 9 nations took to the International Ring for top spot in the 1.50 meter Akita Drilling Cup. Over the 500 meter course designed by Leopoldo Palacios (VEN), with 14 jumping obstacles, it was Richard Spooner (USA) that topped the field, riding his 13 year old Warmblood gelding, Apache. Spooner is pleased with Apache, saying things are starting off well for him. “I got lucky, and everything just fell into place for me. My horses are in great shape, so I have high hopes for the rest of the week”. With the win, the reigning Spruce Meadows North American Champion qualifies for the $1,000,000 CN International on Sunday.

It was also a sweet return to the International ring for Jerome Hurel (FRA). After being a part of the three rider team that took home the 2011 BMO Nation’s Cup, Hurel and his 10 year old Selle Francais stallion OHM de Ponthual took home the 1.60 meter Finning Cup. Leopoldo Palacios (VEN) designed the course, which stretched over 480 meters, and featured 14 jumping obstacles. In her first International win at Spruce Meadows since 2010, Brianne Goutal (USA) took second place aboard the 11 year old Selle Francais Stallion, Nice de Prissey. Goutal was thrilled to be back competing in Calgary this year. “It’s always an amazing competition” She commented after her second place finish. “The horses love it, it’s great sport, and the turf is always impeccable. It’s always a pleasure to come back to Spruce Meadows”

The excitement of the ‘Masters’ continues tomorrow on the International Ring, with the ATCO Structures and Logistics Cup starting at 11:30am, followed by the CANA Cup at 3:00pm.

Akita Drilling Cup – Top 10

1-Richard Spooner                   USA                Apache
2-Beezie Madden                     USA                Coral Reef Via Volo
3-Harrie Smolders                    NED                Regina Z
4-Ludo Philippaerts                  BEL                 Denver Vant Goemanshof
5-Jur Vrieling                            NED                VDL Emmerton
6-Nicola Philippaerts                BEL                 Diebrich De Kalvarie
7-Hans Dieter Dreher               GER                 Magnus Romeo
8-Nayel Nassar                        EGY                Raging Bull Vangelis S
9-Jeroen Dubbeldam                NED                BMC Utascha SFN
10-Ashlee Bond                       USA                Cadett 7

Finning Cup – Top 10

1-Jerome Hurel                        FRA                 OHM De Ponthual
2-Brianne Goutal                      USA                Nice De Prissey
3-Ian Millar                              CAN                Star Power
4-Hans Dieter Dreher               GER                 Embassy II
5-Shane Breen                         IRL                  Balloon
6-Reed Kessler                        USA                Cylana
7-Robert Whitaker                   GBR                USA Today
8-Jur Vrieling                            NED                VDL Bubalu
9-Olivier Philippaerts                BEL                 Cabrio Van De Heffinck
10-Jennifer Crooks                   IRL                  SF Uryadi