The Jayman BUILT Cup 1.55m headlined competition on the International Ring on Thursday at the Spruce Meadows 'North American', presented by Rolex, serving as the final qualifying opportunity for Saturday's $1,000,000 ATCO Queen Elizabeth II Cup. A total of 64 horse-and-rider combinations were slated to contest FEI Course Designer Santiago Varela's (ESP) challenging 525-metre track in pursuit of the winner’s circle.
To advance to the jump-off, competitors were required to produce a fault-free effort over the opening round course. In the end, 17 horse-and-rider combinations representing 10 nations successfully navigated all the first-round tests, earning their place in the deciding round.
For the first time this season, the American national anthem played across the International Ring as the United States' Lillie Keenan and Kick On (Warrior x Caretino, breeder: Brendon Stud) captured victory in the Jayman BUILT Cup 1.55m. The pair delivered a flawless performance in the jump-off, stopping the clock in 40.84 seconds to secure the win.
“I always try to come to Spruce (Meadows) it’s one of my favourite shows.” Lillie Keenan (USA) on competing at Spruce Meadows. “I always liked coming here (Spruce Meadows) because I feel like my horses left better than when we first arrived. I think jumping on grass is one of the best thing you can do for a horse’s fitness and health. They really grow here"
On stage, Mark Bluman followed as runner-up aboard Danny Nijs' bred, Landon de Nyze (Comilfo Plus). The stage was completed by Arturo Parada Vallejo and KWPN-gelding, Laretto (Adagio de Talma x Indoctro).
