This week’s feature competition, the $700,000 RBC Grand Prix of Canada, presented by Rolex brought thousands of fans to Spruce Meadows for a beautiful day of top international show jumping. Twenty-nine horse/rider combinations challenged the 500m track designed by FEI Course Designer Olaf Petersen Jr. (GER). Athletes had to complete 13 of obstacles (16 jumping efforts) all under a time of 75 seconds.
While the course was challenging and the time was tight, there would still be a jump off. Two riders both finished on a single time fault leading to a jump off to determine the victor. Canadian veteran Mario Deslauriers with his Emerson (Eldorado vd Zeshoek) and young Lillie Keenan aboard her Dutch-bred Fasther (Vigo d'Arsouilles) of the United States went head to head against the clock.
Keenan put the pressure on posting a quick, clear jump off with a time of 45.82s. Deslauriers followed, but was not fast enough to to catch Keenan posting a clear round and time of 46.25s.
“I’m so grateful that Spruce (Meadows) has not changed their style, having huge grass rings because that’s really what’s the most natural. I think horses come out of here (Spruce Meadows) better” Lillie Keenan (USA) “One of the most special things about Spruce Meadows is that you have the atmosphere and a crowds that is rooting for every single rider that goes into the ring, and they truly love horses - that’s really what makes our sport so special. This is the biggest win of my life.”
The third place was claimed by Canada's Kara Chad and Quidamo F (Quality).