Julien Gonin of France took day one of the ‘Masters’, winning this afternoon’s 1.50m Cardel Homes Cup feature competition with his mare Estrella De La Batia (Diamant de Semilly). He won the 11-horse jump off, beating Olympians Steve Guerdat (SUI) and Ben Maher (GBR), who came second and third, fresh off their gold and silver medal victories at the Paris Olympics this summer.
Nonetheless, Guerdat, who rode Looping Luna (Lord Fauntleroy), and Maher, aboard Exit Remo (San Remo), earned a place in Sunday’s $3 million CPKC ‘International’, presented by Rolex, with the top three from today’s Cardel Homes Cup getting a guaranteed entry.
The trio topped a starting group of 41 horse-rider pairings to dominate the course designed by the legendary Leopoldo Palacios (VEN). Julien said: “You always know, when you’re competing at Spruce Meadows, to expect the highest level of competition.
“I’ve known that since I was kid, working as a groom for Michel Robert (the legendary French show jumper).
“I would be working with the horses, and didn’t dare dream of competing at Spruce Meadows. Yet here I am.”
The day’s other star, Matthew Sampson (GBR), came 11th in the Cardel Homes Cup with Daniel, following his win in this morning’s 1.45m TELUS Cup, with gelding Fabrice Dn (Emilion).
Lillie Keenan (USA) with stallion Kick On (Warrior) came second, while Kristaps Neretnieks (LAT) and mare Quintes (Quinton) were third.
Sampson also beat an exceptionally talented group of riders in that competition including Guerdat and Maher, as well as 2023 CPKC ‘International’ winner Martin Fuchs (SUI), in the one-round speed competition