The RBC Capital Markets Cup 1.50m delivered another thrilling Friday night at the Spruce Meadows 'National', presented by Rolex. Mark Bluman continued his strong string of performances, jumping to the win ... and second place.
Thirty-eight horse/rider combinations took on the challenging 530m first-round track designed by FEI Course Designer Olaf Petersen Jr. (GER). Featuring 12 obstacles and 15 jumping efforts, athletes had just 80 seconds to navigate the course and earn a place in the jump-off.
Ten combinations answered the call and returned for the race against the clock. Among them were Mark Bluman (COL) and Robert Whitaker (GBR), each with two opportunities to claim the top spot.
In his first season competing at Spruce Meadows, Bluman put on a masterclass. He set the pace early aboard Phelina de Septon (Jenson van 't Meulenhof) with a blistering clear round, only to better his own mark later in the jump-off with Inside My Heart (L.B. Crumble, breeder: Thomas Voss). The pair flew across the finish line fault-free in 40.02 seconds, securing an impressive one-two finish and a memorable victory on the International Ring.
“It’s my first time here. So managing the long jumps and long rails it’s a bit of an adjustment, but you know, the horses fly on this footing - I’m not a huge grass rider myself, but this grass is unbelievable. Riding in there (the International Ring) is just the best feeling ever.” Mark Bluman (COL) on riding in the International Ring at Spruce Meadows.
Eventually Emily Esau Williams copleted the stage aboard her 10-year-old Cascadello-son, Cascarado.
