It wasn't until halfway through the course that Canadian Sam Walker decided to go for the win in the Zenith Consulting CSI5* Two-Phase on opening day of MLSJ Ottawa five-star competition at Wesley Clover Parks. The original plan was for a warm-up, but Walker felt Evita, a 13-year-old KWPN mare (Canturano x Farmer), had enough in the tank to ride for a ribbon.
Walker led the victory gallop for owner Marbill Hill Farm in front of a home crowd at a show he has been competing at for as long as he can remember. Just off his pace, Alberto Michan (ISR) and Bugatti (Heartbreaker x Pilot) took second for owner Eduardo Leon. Third-place was awarded to Catherine Tyree (USA) riding her own Newton van het Krekelhof (Diamant de Semilly x Contact vd Heffinck).
Walker will compete Evita in the MLSJ Team Competition on Saturday for the Canadian-powered ShowPlus Northern Lights.
"This show is really cool because I remember showing here for my entire life. My parents brought me here when I was a little kid. I've always had great success here, and I love riding on this field. I'm going to ride Evita for the team on Saturday so I think this is a good start to the week. I'm looking forward to riding with Darrin [Dlin] and Taylor [St. Jacques]. They have some stellar horses and we are all really hungry," Sam Walker said.
Major League Show Jumping continues at Wesley Clover Parks' Ottawa Equestrian Tournaments in Ottawa, ON, through August 28.
Source: Press Release - Ph. © Press Release/Ashley Neuhof