Calgary, Alberta, Canada – June 30, 2019 – McLain Ward (USA) was simply magnificent last Friday, claiming the top two placings in the $140,000 Canadian Utilities Cup CSI 5* during the ‘Pan American‘ series at the Meadows on the Green Arena in Spruce Meadows at Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

The 1.55m jump-off challenge was the only qualifier for Sunday’s Pan American Grand Prix, presented by Rolex. Eighty-one horse/rider combinations stepped up to take on FEI Course Designer Alan Wade‘s (IRL) technical track and hopefully earning their spot in the Grand Prix on Sunday.

Sixteen combinations were able to jump the first round of competition with no faults and advance to the jump off. Three riders, McLain Ward (USA), Pieter Clemens (BEL) and Mario Deslauriers (CAN) each carried two mounts into the decisive phase looking increase their odds of making it to the winner’s circle.

The pressure was on in the jump of with many riders pulling a rail in an attempt to post the fastest time. Ward’s first mount, Contagious (Contagio x For Keeps), was fast and clear with a time of 42.58 seconds  taking him to the top of the leader board. Second last in the jump off, Ward came in with his second ride, Olympic mount HH Azur, a 13-year-old Belgian Sport Horse mare (Thunder van de Zuuthoeve x Sir Lui van de Zuuthoeve). The American bested his own time by 1.52 seconds to secure a first and second place finish.

Teenage sensation Brian Moggre (USA) and MTM Vivre Le Reve (Ustinov x Chello II) showed their brilliance again, finishing third with no penalties, going through the final timers in 43.07 seconds.

Winner’s Circle – McLain Ward (USA)
“It feels good. We (the riders) always talk about Spruce Meadows and how everyone here is always striving to be better, not only in the organization of the events but the facilities. Always looking to be one step better. That’s why you see all the best athletes from around the world trying to come here –  that’s really a testament to what a great job they (Spruce Meadows) do here.” – McLain Ward (USA) on the changes to Meadows on the Green

Results – $140,000 Canadian Utilities Cup CSI 5*

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

1. McLain Ward (USA) & HH Azur – 0 / 71.62 – 0 / 41.06

2. McLain Ward (USA) & Contagious – 0 / 71.63 – 0 / 42.58

3. Brian Moggre (USA) & MTM Vivre Le Reve – 0 / 73.71 – 0 / 43.07

4. Conor Swail (IRL) & GK Coco Chanel – 0 / 73.38 – 0 / 43.10

5. Pieter Clemens (BEL) & I Am Moerhoeves Star – 0 / 72.42 – 0 / 43.49

6. Manuel Gonzalez Dufrane (MEX) & Hortensia van de Leeuwerk – 0 / 74.51 – 0 / 43.87

7. Mario Deslauriers (CAN) & Amsterdam 27 – 0 / 75.26 – 0 / 46.04

8. Federico Fernandez (MEX) & Davidoff – 0 / 75.94 – 0 /  47.87

9. Jennifer Gates (USA) & Capital Colnardo – 0 / 75.71 – 0 / 49.22

10. Patricio Pasquel (MEX) & Babel – 0 / 73.18 – 4 /  42.40

11. Pieter Clemens (BEL) & Cuidam – 0 / 73.43 – 4 / 47.12

12. Lillie Keenan (USA) & Fasther – 0 / 74.92 – 4 / 48.67

For full results, please click here .

Source: Press release from Spruce Meadows Media

Photo: © Spruce Meadows Media/ Mike Sturk