Spruce Meadows, Calgary, Canada – September 06, 2023 – The 2023 Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ CSIO 5* has commenced and the Telus Cup (1.50m) wrapped today’s competitions on opening day. Forty-five horse/rider combinations declared to start the competition and step onto the International Ring.

The track was designed by Level 4 FEI Course Designer Leopoldo Palacios (VEN) and athletes had to complete 11 obstacles (13 jumping efforts) in under a time allowed of 66 seconds to qualify for the jump off. Fifteen horse/rider combinations representing nine nations advanced to the jump off.

Olympic gold medalist and current #4 ranked rider in the world, Ben Maher (GBR), took two horses into the jump off, bettering his chances of making it to the winner’s circle. Aboard Exit Remo, he laid down the fastest clear jump off ride with a time of 39.98s. Maher also picked up the fourth place with Enjeu De Grisien.

Winner`s Circle – Ben Maher (GBR)

“It’s been some years that I’ve walked into that ring and it’s just a different feeling, you know? I jumped in arenas all over the world, but you walk through that tunnel and you have the incredible arena, the history, a lot of history here. When I was growing up, always dreaming that I could be able to come here and ride one day.” – Ben Maher (GBR) on stepping through the Clock Tower day one of the 2023 Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’.

Final Results – $80,000 Telus Cup CSIO 5*

1) Ben Maher (GBR) & Exit Remo – 0 / 0 – 39.98

2) Denis Lynch (IRL) & Brooklyn Heights – 0 / 0 – 40.82

3) Conor Swail (IRL) & Theo 160 – 0 / 0 – 41.09

Source: Press Release from Spruce Meadows Media

Photos: © Spruce Meadows Media / Mike Sturk

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