Earlier in the week riders competed to earn their spot in the Suncor Winning Round (1.50m). Only 30 horse/rider combinations qualified for the event and of those athletes, the top 10 from Round One, moved on to compete in the Winning Round.

There were 10 clear rounds posted in Round One, and all proceeded to the Winning Round. The rider with the best score in Round One would have the opportunity to go last in the Winning Round and Dutch rider Maikel van der Vleuten (NED) held that position with a quick clear time of 70.77s.

It was an even playing field going into the Winning Round, with all riders starting on a zero score. Conor Swail (IRL) and GK Coco Chanel (Clarimo x Leran) first to go and posted a quick clear time of 54.38s in the Winning Round but that was short lived, eventually finishing in second place.

Philipp Weishaupt (GER) and Solitaer 41 (Salito x Goldfasan) flew around the course in a time of 53.25, registering another penalty-free performance for the victory.

Van der Vleuten (NED) had the advantage of being able to watch the 9 competitors before him, but could not catch Weishaupt’s time and it would be a victory for Germany.

Jim Ifko (CAN) and Un Diamant des Forets (Diamant de Semilly x Papillon Rouge) gave the home crowd something to cheer about, earning bronze honors flawlessly in 54.950 seconds.

“It feels amazing to win” – Philipp Weishaupt (GER) on starting the weekend with a win.

For full results, please click here.

Source: Press release from Spruce Meadows Media

Photo: © Spruce Meadows Media / Mike Sturk