29 June 2012

The pros were at it again for the first day of the 2012 Spruce Meadows ‘Canada One’ Tournament, with half a million dollars in prize money on the line though Sunday.

The day started off well for Kent Farrington (USA). After going up against 46 horse/rider combinations in the 1.50 meter Cargill Cup, designed by Anthony D’Ambrosio  Farrington emerged victorious.  Nobody could catch the time set by Farrington and his 10 year old Dutch Warmblood mare, Venus. This is Farrington’s 5^th FEI Victory at Spruce Meadows this season.

Farrington tried for two today, but two-time Olympian Beezie Madden (USA) couldn’t be beat in the $60,000 Akita Drilling Cup. The 550 meter course designed by Anthony D’Ambrosio (USA) saw 25 horse/rider combinations narrowed down to 5 riders, all of whome are heading to London, save for Farrington. In the end, Farrington ended up with silver, while Madden took home top prize on her 10 year old Belgian Warmblood gelding, Cortes C. Madden was thrilled with the result, saying Cortes C showed he’s got what it takes to compete against the big boys. “I’m really pleased, I think he is really starting to understand” Madden commented. “When I ask him the questions, he answers me. The speed, the scope, the power- he has it all to go up against the guys who were in this competition.”

Today marked Ian Millar’s 2012 debut at Spruce Meadows, with a double clear performance in the Akita Drilling Cup, on his 12 year old Olympic mount, Star Power. This year marks an important year for Millar, who will attend his 10^th Olympic games in London, and is contention for carrying the flag for Canada.

The international action continues tomorrow at Spruce Meadows, with the West Jet Cup and the Duncan Ross Cup in the evening. The ‘Canada-One” Tournament culminates on Sunday, with the $100,000 Esso World Cup Qualifier.

Source: Spruce Meadows