Nayel Nassar & Oaks Redwood Turn on the Nitro to Win $40,000 Scotiabank Cup CSI 3* at Spruce Meadows

By on 18 18America/Sao_Paulo September 18America/Sao_Paulo 2021

Calgary, Alberta, Canada – September 17, 2021 – Leading the victory gallop around the International Ring during the Spruce Meadows 2021 September Series is starting to become a habit of Nayel Nassar’s (EGY). On Friday, during the Spruce Meadows ‘North American’ CSI 5*, presented by Rolex, Nassar claimed his third victory in the ring of this year, this time aboard Evergate Stables’ 16-year old gelding, Oaks Redwood, claiming top honors in the $40,000 Scotiabank Cup CSI 3*.

After conquering Peter Grant’s (CAN) 12 obstacle (15 jumping efforts) course, Nassar moved into the jump-off along with Katie Laurie (AUS), Eduardo Menezes (BRA), Rowan Willis (AUS), Zoe Conter (BEL), and McLain Ward (USA). The jump-off course had a time allowed of 50 seconds, though a fast time was not something any of the riders struggled with. Quite a few rails came down in the jump-off, with Menezes, Laurie, and Nassar being the only three clear. It was Nassar’s time of 36.42 seconds that pushed him into that first place position.

Eduardo Menezes (BRA) was the closest one to the Egyptian, finishing second aboard H. Big Action due to a jump-off time of 338.42 seconds.

Katie Laurie (AUS) was consistent once again, this time riding Esteban MVNZ towards bronze honors in 39.58 seconds.

“He was outstanding today, I really asked a lot from him in the jump-off and he answered all my questions,” Nassar said of his partner, Oaks Redwood. Nassar also told reporters about the pressure he feels whenever his rides are followed by McLain Ward. “I knew I had done enough to really put the pressure on him. Obviously McLain’s always fast. I knew that the only way that I’d beat him is if he knocked a jump down, and luckily that happened today.”

Nassar competes again in Saturday’s ATB Winning Round, as well as the ATCO Queen Elizabeth II Cup.