Spruce Meadows, Calgary, Alberta, Canada –June 15, 2023 – The $38,500 Kubota Cup CSI 5* was the final qualifying competition for Saturday’s RBC Grand Prix of Canada CSI 5*, presented by Rolex. Twenty-four athletes started the jump off competition where the course was designed by FEI Course Designer Olaf Petersen Jr. (GER).
It was an impressive course with 13 obstacles (16 jumping efforts) that included a triple combination and the open water – all required to be completed in a time of 90 seconds or less. With a number of familiar, veteran competitors in the running it was a surprise to everyone, especially 18 year-old Mimi Gochman (USA), when she was the only one able to post a clear round.
Aboard the 13-year-old Holsteiner mare, Celina BH (Canstakko x Carthago Z), the pair galloped through the finish line in flawless fashion, registering the winning time of 87.55 seconds.
Gochman was the only one to register a clean scorecard. Conor Swail (IRL) and Nadal Hero & DB left all the poles up but had one penalty attributed to them due to their time of 90.24 seconds.
Mario Deslauriers (CAN) and Emerson were the fastest four-faulters, in fact they were faster than the eventual winners, but their time of 85.84 second came at the expense of one pole down and four penalties, still managing to conquer bronze honors.
“I’ve been watching the Spruce Meadows Nations’ Cup in the fall for a long time. I’ve always heard stories about it. I’ve seen clips online and always been told “you have to go to Spruce Meadows”. I mean, not only is it a good learning experience, but the horses love it and it’s incredible!” – Mimi Gochman (USA) and her first time at Spruce Meadows.
Gochman now sets her sights on Saturday’s RBC Grand Prix of Canada, presented by Rolex.
Final Results – $38,500 Kubota Cup CSI 5* – 1.55m
1) Mimi Gochman (USA) & Celina BH – 0 – 87.55
2) Conor Swail (IRL) & Nadal Hero & DB – 1 – 90.24
3) Mario Deslauriers (CAN) & Emerson – 4 – 85.84
Source: Press Release (edited) from Spruce Meadows Media
Photos: © Spruce Meadows Media / Mike Sturk
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Categories: CSI 5*, English, Jumper News USA, Spruce Meadows
