Mckayla Langmeier (USA) road to victory aboard Pepita VD Rollebeek (Tangelo van de Zuuthoeve x Toulon) in the final competition of the ‘North American’ at Spruce Meadows. A fan favourite, the Sun Life Derby features over one kilometre of track and 18 obstacles (24 efforts) that include a steep bank, double liver pools, dry ditch and of course - the notorious Devil’s Dyke.
In a true test of skill and stamina for both horse and rider, Langmeier, 25, not only completed the first round of competition with no faults, but pulled off the only double clear of the competition. Belgian-bred, Pepita VD Rollebeek didn’t touch a single rail and crossed the finish line in the a time of 44.59s.
The original Spruce Meadows Derby track was originally designed by FEI Course Designer Pamela Carruthers (GBR) and while the sport has changed over the years, today’s track (modified by FEI Course Designer Leopoldo Palacios (VEN) & Santiago Varela (ESP) still pays homage to that original track.
“Spruce Meadows has done a fantastic job of maintaining the roots of the sport, and the riders are starting to understand that the derby makes the horses better.” - Leopoldo Palacious (VEN) on continuing the tradition of the derby at Spruce Meadows, and an increased number of entries in the last couple years.
On stage Kyle King (USA) and Odysseus (Osilvis x Riverman) followed as runner up. The stage was completed by Jordan Coyle aboard King KAnnan (Kannan GFE x Warrant).
Jordan Coyle seals 6th win this summer, claiming the Kubota Cup
Jordan Coyle (IRL) aboard For Gold (For fashion x Heraldik xx) took the victory in the final speed competition of the Spruce Meadows summer tournaments. In the competition (where faults are converted to time) Coyle flew through the finish line in 75.59s.
Coyle and For Gold have won an astounding SIX FEI competitions this season at Spruce Meadows and won three-out-of-four of the Speed Competitions - only to be second in the Canadian Utilities Cup during the ‘Continental’, presented by Rolex.
James Chawke (IRL) followed as runner-up with Daido van 't Ruytershof (Dieu merci van t&l x Bamako de Muze), while Eugenio Garza Perez placed third with Jos Verlooy's former Victer Finn DH Z (Va-vite x Stakkato)
