Calgary, Alberta, Canada – June 16, 2019 – Saturday afternoon of the Spruce Meadows ‘Continental’ CSI 5*, presented by Rolex brought sixty-six rider/horse combinations into the Meadows on the Green for the $75,000 Canadian Utilities Cup CSI 5*. The technical track by FEI Course Designer Michel Vaillancourt (CAN) tested the riders over thirteen obstacles (sixteen efforts) including three double combinations and two liver pools.

Six riders representing five nations posted clear rounds advancing to the jump off. Darragh Kenny (IRL) and Christos (Cristo x Linaro) were the first to go and put the pressure on posting a clear ride and quick time of 37.71 seconds, which eventually would hold up for third place honors.

Second last to go was Bliss Heers (USA) and Antidote de Mars. The American laid it all on the line, using the right dosage of speed and carefulness aboard the 9-year-old Selle Français stallion (Diamant de Semilly x Jarnac), jumping a clear round and posting a time of 36.68 seconds to take the lead for good.

It came down to the wire with world number one Steve Guerdat (SUI) and Victorio des Frotards (Barbarian x Prince Ig’or)  as the last ones to go in the decisive phase. The Swiss just off the pace, posting a clear round and a time of 36.82 seconds to take second place.

Winner’s Circle

 “This is really quite emotional for me. A year ago I broke my back and now to win at Spruce Meadows and to beat two Olympic champions is very special.”
– Bliss Heers (USA) on her first career win at Spruce Meadows

Results – $75,000 Canadian Utilities Cup CSI 5*

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

1. Bliss Heers (USA) & Antidote de Mars – 0 / 73.04 – 0 / 36.68

2. Steve Guerdat (SUI) & Victorio des Frotards – 0 / 73.01 – 0 / 36.82

3. Darragh Kenny (IRL) & Christos – 0 / 72.57 – 0 / 37.71

4. Eric Lamaze (CAN) & Chacco Kid – 0 / 73.81 – 0 / 38.52

5. Rodrigo Lambre (BRA) & J’Adore van het Klinkhof – 0 / 74.65 – 0 / 39.16

6. Madison Goetzmann (USA) & Prestigious – 0 / 72.41 – 8 / 43.67

7. Vanessa Mannix (CAN) & Catinka 25 – 1 / 73.30

8. Brian Moggre (USA) & MTM Los Angeles – 1 / 75.48

8. Spencer Smith (USA) & Houston – 1 / 77.03

10. Jim Ifko (CAN) & Celine La Silla – 1 / 77.03

11. Sarah Segal (USA) & Camira – 1 / 78.81

12. Eve Jobs (USA) & Venue d’Fees des Hazalles – 1 / 78.87

For full results, please click here.

Source: Press release from Spruce Meadows Media

Photo: © Spruce Meadows Media / Jack Cusano