Spruce Meadows, Calgary, Canada — June 09, 2024 — A young buck from the Czech Republic made history today, becoming the first rider from his country to win a 5* event at Spruce Meadows.
It was also the first-ever 5* win for 29-year-old Vaclav Stanek (CZE), with Quintin, who beat a field of seasoned pros to take top spot in the $339,460 Duncan Ross Grand Prix CSI 5*, the final event of The ‘Continental’, presented by Rolex.
Stanek, who just two years ago was working as a groom at the Spruce Meadows Summer Series, told how going into today’s contest, he ‘didn’t even expect to get a clear round, let alone win my first 5* event.’
“It’s so special because this is my favourite show in the world,” said Stanek, a former Rolex Young Riders Academy pupil who went into the test ranked 1,813th in the world. “I have watched Spruce Meadows since I was a little kid hoping one day I could ride here, but I would never even dream about winning here.
“I finally got my cooler in the best way possible,” he added, referencing the championship blankets winning horses receive at the end of a 5* competition, in this case baring the name of event sponsors Duncan Ross.
Stanek’s win proved a bit of a shake-up in a seasoned field.
Riders from 15 countries, on 37 different horses, entered the preliminary round. Just five made it past a challenging set of 13 obstacles and 16 efforts for clear rounds in under 83s.
In the end, Stanek beat Britain’s Matthew Sampson (GBR) on Daniel, Conor Swail (IRL) with Casturano, Nicholas Dello Joio (USA) on Cornet’s Cambridge, and Sharn Wordley (NZL) atop Champion League, to secure his dream victory.
A new face on the leaderboard was welcomed by course designer Marina Azevedo (BRA), the first builder to test out the newly renovated All Canada Ring this year.
“It’s so nice to have some new riders coming up,” said Azevedo. “As a course designer, I love it here. It’s very different, very nice.”
Final Results — $339,460 Duncan Ross Grand Prix CSI 5* presented by Rolex
1) Vaclav Stanek (CZE) & Quintin — 0 / 0 — 45.06
2) Matthew Sampson (GBR) & Daniel — 0 / 0 — 45.36
3) Conor Swail (IRL) & Casturano — 0 / 4 — 42.84
Source: Press Release from Spruce Meadows Media
Photos: © Spruce Meadows Media / Mike Sturk
Discover more from JUMPER NEWS
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Categories: CSI 5*, English, Spruce Meadows
