Spruce Meadows, Calgary, Alberta, Canada – The $400,700 ‘Pan American’ Grand Prix CSI 5*, presented by Rolex was the final competition to wrap up another week of show jumping at Spruce Meadows. Thirty competitors entered the competition and took on the 605M track set up FEI Course Designer Peter Grant (CAN). Riders had to clear 14 obstacles (17 jumping efforts) in under the 91 seconds of time allowed in the 1.60m challenge.
It was a demanding course at every turn but two clears would come forward for the jump off, Jose Antonio Chedraui (MEX) aboard Mighty Mouse and Giavanna Rinaldi (USA) aboard Cosmona. Chedraui put the pressure on by posting a clear round with a time of 51.13 seconds.
In her first 5* Grand Prix Rinaldi handled the pressure like a pro, putting her trust in the 11-year-old Danish Warmblood mare (Cosmeo x Bogegardens Apollo), the duo took a chance and galloped across the finish line clear in a much faster time of 46.23 seconds to take the win. In addition to this being Rinaldi’s inaugural trip to Spruce Meadows, it was also her first time competing in a 5* Grand Prix. She and Cosmona have been together since September 2021.
Another rising star from the United States completed the podium as Katherine Strauss (USA) guided Fair Field (VDL Zirocco Blue x Chin Chin) towards the fastest time amongst the 9 combinations who had a score of four penalty-points in the first round, securing bronze honors with a time 89.18 seconds.
Winner’s Circle – Giavanna Rinaldi (USA)
“I’ve always dreamt of coming to this show (Spruce Meadows) it’s been a big dream of mine. I couldn’t be prouder of my horse and the team behind us – it is a dream come true.” – Giavanna Rinaldi (USA) on winning the ‘Pan American’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex.
Showjumping continues at Spruce Meadows with the running of the ‘North American’ CSI 5*/ 2* Tournament taking place July 7-10, 2022.
Final Results – $400,700 Pan American Grand Prix CSI 5*– 1.60m
1) Giavanna Rinaldi (USA) & Cosmona – 0 / 0 – 46.23
2) Jose Antonio Chedraui (MEX) & Mighty Mouse– 0 / 0 – 51.13
3) Katherine Strauss (USA) & Fair Field – 4 – 89.18
Source: Press Release (edited) from Spruce Meadows Media
Photos: © Spruce Meadows Media / Mike Sturk
Categories: CSI 5*, English, Jumper News USA
