Calgary, Alberta, Canada – June 30, 2019 – Steve Guerdat (SUI) and Venard de Cerisy won the $390,000 ‘Pan American’ Grand Prix CSI 5* yesterday during the ‘Pan American’ at Spruce Meadows in Calgary, Province of Alberta, Canada.

There was a lively atmosphere surrounding the Meadows on the Green for the 1.60m challenge presented by Rolex. Forty-seven international riders started the competition in hopes of making it to the winner’s circle. The technical track designed by FEI Course designer Alan Wade (IRL) challenged the riders to jump 14 obstacles (17 efforts) clean in a time allowed of 87 seconds.

Only six riders were able to jump a clean first round and advance to the jump off. Jennifer Gates (USA) was the first to go in the jump off and laid down a solid clear round with a time of 46.73 seconds. The lead didn’t last long as Capt. Brian Cournane (IRL) put in a clear ride with a time of 45.54s taking over the lead. The pressure to be fast caused Eduardo Menezes (BRA) and Daniel Coyle (IRL) to have one and two rails respectively and like that there was only one to go.

World number one Steve Guerdat (SUI) had been hungry for a win all summer with multiple top three finishes over the last three weeks of tournament. Aboard Venard de Cerisy, Guerdat kept his composure and sailed over the finish line with a time of 43.95 seconds to win the 2019 ‘Pan American’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex.

Winner’s Circle – Steve Guerdat

“It feels really good. I really wanted to win one of the main classes, I was close many times, four/five times second and third, which was good but just not good enough. Someone was always faster then me so being last knowing what I had to do was a big relief for me. I am leaving Spruce Meadows a better rider and my horses are better too.” – Steve Guerdat (SUI) on today’s win and his experience over the Spruce Meadows Summer Series.

Results – $390,000 Pan American Grand Prix CSI 5*

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

1. Steve Guerdat (SUI) & Venard de Cerisy – 0 / 85.53 – 0 / 43.95

2. Capt. Brian Cournane (IRL) & Armik – 0 / 85.49 – 0 / 45.54

3. Jennifer Gates (USA) & Capital Colnardo – 0 / 83.60 – 0 / 46.73

4. Eduardo Menezes (BRA) & H5 Quintol – 0 / 86.29 – 4 / 43.30

5. Daniel Coyle (IRL) & Farrel – 0 / 84.59 – 8 / 42.87

6. Charlie Jacobs (USA) & Cassinja S – 0 / 81.94 –  DNS

7. Scott Keach (NZL) & Born to Be Picobello Z – 1 / 87.12

8. Nikolaj Hein Ruus (DEN) & Cadillac – 1 / 87.81

9. McLain Ward (USA) & Noche de Ronda –  4 / 82.06

10. Lucy Deslauriers (CAN) & Hester – 4 / 82.56

11. Molly Ashe (USA) & Adamo – 4 / 83.09

12. Vanessa Mannix (CAN) & Catinka 25 –  4 /  83.60

For full results, please click here.

Source: Press release from Spruce Meadows Media

Photo: © Spruce Meadows Media / Mike Sturk