Calgary, Alberta, Canada – June 18, 2022 – After a damp evening, the sun cam out for the start of the $20,000 AON Winning Round CSI 2*. Thirty-five horse/rider combinations qualified for the contest through competitions earlier in the week. The top 10 rides from the first round would proceed into the winning round of the competition. The order that the top 10 riders returned for the winning round is determined by the number of faults from the first round.
Amongst a field of veteran riders in winning round, young up and coming Canadian Sam Walker (CAN) aboard Evita was untouchable. The Canadian and the 13-year-old bay Dutch Warmblood mare (Canturano x Farmer) posted the fastest clear ride in the winning round with a time of 53.70 seconds. This was Walker’s first trip to the International Ring making it an even more memorable experience.
One of the most consistent riders throughout the week, Patricio Pasquel (MEX) managed another podium finish. The Mexican standout rode Alicia (Presley Boy x Cornet Obolensky) secured silver honors after a fault-free performance in 57.14 seconds in the decisive phase.
Three different nations were represented amongst the top three combinations in the 1.40m challenge. Robert Blanchette (IRL) rode Chardonnay (Comme Il Faut 5 x Jus de Pomme) towards bronze honors, doing so in 58 seconds flat.
Final Results – $20,000 AON Winning Round CSI 2*
1) Sam Walker (CAN) & Evita – 0 / 0 – 53.70
2) Patricio Pasquel (MEX) & Alicia – 4 / 0 – 57.14
3) Robert Blanchette (IRL) & Chardonnay – 4 / 0 – 58.00
Source: Press Release (edited) from Spruce Meadows Media
Photo: © Spruce Meadows Media / Mike Sturk
Categories: CSI 2*, English, Jumper News Canada, Spruce Meadows
