The sun came out for the last day of the 2018 Spruce Meadows 'Continental' CSI5*. On the docket for the day was the Canadian Utilities U25 Winning Round followed by the 'Continental' Grand Prix in the afternoon. There was plenty of action with the Canadian Utilities U25 Winning Round in the morning with 27 horse/rider combinations coming forward in hopes of landing at the top of the winners circle. Riders competing in the U25 Series of competitions at the Spruce Meadows Summer Series have a chance to become the 2018 U25 Champion based on points earned over these specific competitions. Juan Jose Zendajas (MEX) won the first leg of the U25 Series at the Spruce Meadows 'National' presented by Rolex and was looking for a second win. The top 10 combinations from round one move forward to the Winning Round. Alas a repeat win was not in the cards today for Zendajas who had a rail in the first round and did not make the top 10. Last week's bronze medalist Ben Asselin (CAN) was hungry for the win and with Holsteiner mare Wahrhaftige and galloped through the finish line giving Canada it's fourth win of the Spruce Meadows 'Continental' Tournament. "This win is a great way to thank my dad on Father's Day for all his support" - Ben Asselin (CAN) The sunshine continued into the afternoon for the 'Continental' Grand Prix and there was a relaxed atmosphere surrounding the Meadows on the Green filled with spectators enjoying Father's Day. Seven of horse/rider combinations of the 34 original starters jumped a clear round to continue into the jump off including the winning pair from last Sunday's event at the 'National' presented by Rolex, Richard Spooner (USA) and Quirado C. Unfortunately a rail in the jump off would keep Spooner out of medal contention. Young Lucy Deslauriers (USA) was in the lead with a time 43.66s, but Eric Lamaze (CAN) was set on making it a hat trick. With is Olympic mount Fine Lady 5, Lamaze would post a clear quick time 43.22s to win the 'Continental' Grand Prix. "I love coming to Spruce Meadows, we have real competition here. When it is a Championship (World Equestrian Games or Olympics) year, there is no better place to prepare than the Spruce Meadows Summer Series" - Eric Lamaze (CAN) The first half of the 2018 Summer Series is now complete and we congratulate all of the winners on a job well done - however, we are not done yet! Still to come is the exciting 'Pan American' CSI5* presented by Rolex (June 26 - July 1) and the 'North American' CSI5* presented by Rolex (July 4 - 8). The Spruce Meadows 'Pan American' presented by Rolex (June 26 - July 1) will feature international competitions at the Meadows on the Green throughout the week along with tons of West Complex action. All that action will lead us into the 'Pan American' Grand Prix presented by Rolex taking place on Sunday, July 1 - Canada Day! Join us Canada Day for a spectacular day full of sport, entertainment, family fun and good times - all compliments of ATCO. Starting bright and early in the morning we will have FIFA World Cup on the big screen in the Lower Plaza followed by a great day of sport and to top it off an outdoor concert with the Rocky Mountain Symphony Orchestra. Throughout the day the Spruce Meadows Carousel and Mini Train will be operating along with Pony Rides, Face Painting and so much more! Visit sprucemeadows.com for more information. Our final week of the Summer Series is the Spruce Meadows 'North American' CSI5* presented by Rolex (July 4 - 8). Our international competitions move back to the International Ring and competitors will once again be stepping through the iconic Clock Tower. The Salute to our Canadian Military is the theme to the week and it is highlighted by various military displays throughout the ground and the Feu de Joie on the International Ring both Saturday and Sunday. The Horizons Pavilion re-opens to welcome unique vendors back to the space for all your shopping needs.
