Spruce Meadows, Calgary, Alberta, Canada – July 02, 2023 – The sun was out for the final day of the 2023 ‘Pan American’ CSI 5* & 2*, presented by Rolex. The $80,000 West Canadian Cup CSI 2*, presented by WCD was the lone competition on the International Ring today. The top 35 riders, representing 11 nations, who qualified earlier in the week were ready to step through the clock tower in hopes of making it to the winner’s circle.

It was a jump off competition with tracks designed by FEI Course Designer Gregory Bodo (FRA). Riders who passed all the tests of the first round qualified for the jumpoff.

Today nine riders, representing seven nations, answered all the questions asked by Bodo in that first round. Matthew Sampson (GBR) has been knocking at he door for a big win all summer and he had been saving this bay mare, Elisa BJX (Eldorado van de Zeshoek x Quilot Z), for this competition all week.

The pair had to hunt down Conor Swail (IRL) and Gamble who posted a fast clear round in the jump off with a time of 40.21s and with a push over the final fence Sampson stopped the clock at 39.48 seconds claim the victory.

One of the most consistent riders throughout the season at the venue, Nayel Nassar (EGY) and Dorado de Riverland produced two penalty-free performances too, rounding out the top three in 41.08 seconds.

Winners Circle – Matthew Sampson (GBR)

“Coming into this year I didn’t have the horses in quite as good of form as I could have, but they’re getting there now. That’s the great part about this place (Spruce Meadows) to bring the horses on (and have them grow).” – Matthew Sampson (GBR) on his second summer season at Spruce Meadows.

Final Results – $80,000 West Canadian Cup CSI 2*

1) Matthew Sampson (GBR) & Elisa BJX – 0 / 0 – 39.48

2) Conor Swail (IRL) & Gamble – 0 / 0 – 40.21

3) Nayel Nassar (EGY) & Dorado de Riverland – 0 / 0 – 41.08

Source: Press Release (edited) from Spruce Meadows Media

Photos: © Spruce Meadows Media / Mike Sturk