The International Jumping Riders Club since 1977 is the voice of the showjumping riders from around the world.
The International Jumping Riders Club since 1977 is the voice of the showjumping riders from around the world.
This week’s feature competition, the $700,000 RBC Grand Prix of Canada, presented by Rolex brought thousands of fans to Spruce Meadows for a beautiful day of top international show jumping. Twenty-nine horse/rider combinations challenged the 500m track designed by FEI Course Designer Olaf Petersen Jr. (GER). Athletes had to complete 13 of obstacles (16 jumping efforts) all under a time of 75 seconds.
While the course was challenging and the time was tight, there would still be a jump off. Two riders both finished on a single time fault leading to a jump off to determine the victor. Canadian veteran Mario Deslauriers with his Emerson (Eldorado vd Zeshoek) and young Lillie Keenan aboard her Dutch-bred Fasther (Vigo d'Arsouilles) of the United States went head to head against the clock.
Keenan put the pressure on posting a quick, clear jump off with a time of 45.82s. Deslauriers followed, but was not fast enough to to catch Keenan posting a clear round and time of 46.25s.
“I’m so grateful that Spruce (Meadows) has not changed their style, having huge grass rings because that’s really what’s the most natural. I think horses come out of here (Spruce Meadows) better” Lillie Keenan (USA) “One of the most special things about Spruce Meadows is that you have the atmosphere and a crowds that is rooting for every single rider that goes into the ring, and they truly love horses - that’s really what makes our sport so special. This is the biggest win of my life.”
The third place was claimed by Canada's Kara Chad and Quidamo F (Quality).