Calgary, Alberta, Canada – June 09, 2019 – Spruce Meadows fans flocked to the International Ring to take in the $500,000 RBC Grand Prix of Canada CSI 5*, presented by Rolex. A contingent of strong international riders got set to take on the 580m technical track designed by FEI course designer Peter Grant (CAN) tested.

Forty horse/rider combinations stepped through the clock tower to take on the challenge.
Seven riders made it through to the jump off including Canadians Eric Lamaze (CAN) and Nicole Walker (CAN), fan favourites Beezie Madden (USA), Kent Farrington (USA) and Conor Swail (IRL) and World #1 rider Steve Guerdat (SUI) who held the anchor position. With those kind of players, there was no room for error.

Eric Lamaze (CAN) & Chacco Kid

Swail was the first to post a double clear round aboard Koss van Heiste, with a time of 47.20 seconds but Lamaze (CAN) and Chacco Kid (Chacco-Blue x Come On) would soon follow with a time of 46.25 seconds to take the lead.

It came down to the final rider, Steve Guerdat (SUI), who knew what he had to do to win, but it was not to be today. Coming in with a clear ride and a time of 46.96 seconds, the Swiss would slide into second place.

Conor Swail (IRL) and Koss van Heiste (Breemeersen Adorado x Contact vd Heffinck) completed the podium.

Winner’s Circle

“At one point it was a dream for me to come back here (Spruce Meadows) and compete, but with the help and a lot of support from great friends, like Steve (Guerdat), my clients, staff, people around the world, the dream came true and this (winning) is just the icing on the cake.” – Eric Lamaze (CAN) on winning the 2019 RBC Grand Prix of Canada, presented by Rolex.

Results – $500,000 RBC Grand Prix of Canada presented by Rolex

Place / Rider / Country / Horse / R1 Penalties / R1 Time / Jump-off Penalties / Jump-off Time

1. Eric Lamaze (CAN) & Chacco Kid – 0 / 84.15 – 0 / 46.25

2. Steve Guerdat (SUI) & Albfuehren’s Bianca – 0 / 85.69 – 0 / 46.96

3. Conor Swail (IRL) & Koss van Heiste – 0 / 82.95 – 0 / 47.20

4. Beezie Madden (USA) & Coach – 0 / 84.10 – 4 / 44.62

5. Nicole Walker (CAN) & Falco van Spieveld – 0 / 82.98 – 4 / 45.82

6. Jordan Coyle (IRL) & Eristov – 0 / 83.48 – 0 / 46.17

7. Captain Brian Cournane (IRL) & Armik – 0 / 83.62 – 12 / 48.57

8. Lisa Carlsen (CAN) & Parette – 1 / 87.71

9. Lucy Deslauriers (CAN) & Hester – 4 / 84.42

10. Scott Keach (AUS) & Fedor – 4 / 84.75

11. Dermott Lennon (IRL) & Gelvins Touch – 4 / 85.51

12) Sameh El Dahan (EGY) & Suma’s Zorro – 4 / 85.60

For full results, please click here.

Source: Press release from Spruce Meadows Media

Photos: © Spruce Meadows / Mike Sturk / Jack Cusano