It was glory for Canada on the first day of the ‘National’, presented by Rolex, as the world famous International Ring saw its first action of the season.
Sean Jobin, with Arkuga, topped a talent-packed leaderboard with a fast clear round of 69.70s in the single-round 1.50m FEI CSI5* event.
The 30-year-old rider, who is originally from Toronto, shared his delight at fulfilling a lifelong dream of riding to victory in the International Ring.
“This is my first time here,” said Jobin, who is now based in Florida and Ohio. “It’s so special. I got off the plane on Monday and the first thing I did was come to Spruce Meadows to see the International Ring for myself, with my own eyes. It’s so big.
“When you come through the clock tower for the first time, it can have people inspired or inflated, and horses can be intimidated by it. I had a big smile on my face walking through that clock tower, getting a chance to do that. Arkuga loves it here too.”
Americans Elena Haas, with Koss Van Heiste, and Hannah Selleck, on Cloud 39, placed second and third, respectively.
Fellow Canadians Tiffany Foster and Amy Millar came 5th and 6th atop Electrique and Jagger HX.
Sean Jobin, with Arkuga, topped a talent-packed leaderboard with a fast clear round of 69.70s in the single-round 1.50m FEI CSI5* event.
The 30-year-old rider, who is originally from Toronto, shared his delight at fulfilling a lifelong dream of riding to victory in the International Ring.
“This is my first time here,” said Jobin, who is now based in Florida and Ohio. “It’s so special. I got off the plane on Monday and the first thing I did was come to Spruce Meadows to see the International Ring for myself, with my own eyes. It’s so big.
“When you come through the clock tower for the first time, it can have people inspired or inflated, and horses can be intimidated by it. I had a big smile on my face walking through that clock tower, getting a chance to do that. Arkuga loves it here too.”
Americans Elena Haas, with Koss Van Heiste, and Hannah Selleck, on Cloud 39, placed second and third, respectively.
Fellow Canadians Tiffany Foster and Amy Millar came 5th and 6th atop Electrique and Jagger HX.