Spruce Meadows, Calgary, Alberta, Canada – September 09, 2023 – It was a beautiful morning to start Saturday of the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ CSIO 5* and first up on the International Ring was the Suncor Winning Round CSIO 5*. Only the top 30 qualified riders from earlier in the week were eligible for the competition, with the top 10 from round one returning for the Winning Round in reverse order of merit.
Today 11 nations were represented in the 1.50m challenge and of the top 10 returning for the Winning Round – eight of those nations represented. All of the top 10 returning posted clear first rounds, so the quickest of those clear rounds had the opportunity to watch the other competitors go.
The competition was fierce in the Suncor Winning Round – first into the ring was Olympic Gold Medalist Ben Maher (GBR) who posted a quick clear round crossing the finish line in a time of 54.70 seconds – it was now a waiting game.
Darragh Kenny (IRL) and Irwin came very close to the leading time, eventually finishing second just six-hundredths off the his time. Maher was still holding on as Olympian Katie Laurie (AUS) was the final entry into the ring on Cera Caruso. Laurie did not hold back, galloping hard around the course and posting a time of 52.92 seconds but an unfortunate tack mishap and a rail placed her in 6th. So, Maher took top honours and to kick off British Day at Spruce Meadows.
To the delight of the home crowd, the podium was completed by Kara Chad (CAN) and Igor GPH, doing so in flawless fashion before tripping the final timers in 55.17 seconds.
Final Results – $150,000 Suncor Winning Round CSIO 5*
1) Ben Maher (GBR) & Enjeu de Grisien – 0 / 0 – 54.70
2) Darragh Kenny (IRL) & Irwin – 0 / 0 – 54.76
3) Kara Chad (CAN) & Igor GPH – 0 / 0 – 55.17
Source: Press Release (edited) from Spruce Meadows Media
Photos: © Spruce Meadows Media / Dave Chidley / Mike Sturk
Categories: CSIO 5*, English, Jumper News Great Britain, Spruce Meadows
