Spruce Meadows, Calgary, Alberta, Canada – June 18, 2023 – Mother nature decided to add a little moisture into the mix for the final afternoon of the Spruce Meadows ‘National’ Tournament CSI 5* & CSI 2* and the $145,000 ATB Cup CSI 5*. With the rain not letting up, the FEI Ground Jury (officials) met and opted to change the type of competition from a Table A Jump Off to a Table A Speed. The fastest round with the least amount of faults would be placed at the top of the leaderboard.
Darragh Kenny (IRL) was unfazed by the change in conditions on the International Ring this afternoon. Like a true Irishman, he braved the inclement weather aboard Chic Chic, a 12-year-old Westphalian stallion (Comme Il Faut 5 x Contendro I) performing brilliantly. Kenny was able to open the stallion’s stride up and sail through the finish line, clear, in a time of 66.55 seconds.
Used to the inclement weather in Ireland, two Irish riders battled it out, claiming the top two positions on the podium. Conor Swail (IRL) rode Theo 160 towards silver honors in 67.08 seconds.
Patricio Pasquel (MEX) and Alicia Santa Rosa completed the podium backed by a penalty-free performance in 68.04 seconds.
Winner’s Circle – Darragh Kenny (IRL)
“It was a great day, I haven’t been to Spruce (Meadows) in probably four or five years and it’s a fantastic facility. It (the rainy weather) didn’t really bother me. He’s (Chic Chic) very brave so I just went as fast as I could” – Darragh Kenny (IRL) on being back at Spruce Meadows and competing in the heavy rain.
Final Results – $145,000 ATB Cup CSI 5*
1) Darragh Kenny (IRL) & Chic Chic – 0 – 66.55
2) Conor Swail (IRL) & Theo 160 – 0 – 67.08
3) Patricio Pasquel (MEX) & Alicia Santa Rosa – 0 – 68.04
Source: Press Release (edited) from Spruce Meadows Media
Photos: © Spruce Meadows Media / Mike Sturk
Categories: CSI 5*, English, Jumper News Ireland, Spruce Meadows
