Spruce Meadows veteran Matthew Sampson came first in Sunday’s ATB Cup, the final competition of this week’s ‘National’, presented by Rolex. Britain’s Sampson, with One Whisper (Daniel), beat 34 other starting riders, and five jump-off rivals, to take the top spot in the exciting 1.50m contest.
Speaking after the event, Sampson said: “To be honest, I’ve been a bit slow this week, I’ve been fourth twice, and the horses were jumping great. I just wanted to try and go as fast as I could.
“Take a bit of risk. Luckily, it paid off.”
And while it was victory for Britain, Sampson sang the praises of the current crop of Canadian show jumping athletes, ahead of an imminent announcement on the four-rider team our nation will be sending to the Paris Olympics next month.
“I think Canada has a great team,” said Sampson. “Most of the big classes here have been won by Canadians. I always think, if I try to win, and I get beat by someone from here, it’s a bit easier to take.
“I think Canada have a very strong chance at the Olympics.”
In this afternoon’s ATB Cup, Katie Laurie, of Australia, came second with Django II (Lordano). Third place went to Canada’s Sean Jobin, on Coquelicot VH Huevelland Z (Catoki).
source: Press Release/ Ph. © Spruce Meadows
Speaking after the event, Sampson said: “To be honest, I’ve been a bit slow this week, I’ve been fourth twice, and the horses were jumping great. I just wanted to try and go as fast as I could.
“Take a bit of risk. Luckily, it paid off.”
And while it was victory for Britain, Sampson sang the praises of the current crop of Canadian show jumping athletes, ahead of an imminent announcement on the four-rider team our nation will be sending to the Paris Olympics next month.
“I think Canada has a great team,” said Sampson. “Most of the big classes here have been won by Canadians. I always think, if I try to win, and I get beat by someone from here, it’s a bit easier to take.
“I think Canada have a very strong chance at the Olympics.”
In this afternoon’s ATB Cup, Katie Laurie, of Australia, came second with Django II (Lordano). Third place went to Canada’s Sean Jobin, on Coquelicot VH Huevelland Z (Catoki).
source: Press Release/ Ph. © Spruce Meadows