On the second day of the 2023 edition of the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament, 42 of the world’s best horse and rider combinations took on Leopoldo Palacios’ stunningly designed course in the hopes of securing their place in the pinnacle class of the show, the CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex.
The iconic International Arena, which has played host to numerous historic moments in the sport, including Scott Brash’s incredible Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping victory in 2015, was beautifully bathed in the late summer sun. First to enter the arena, Ireland’s Conor Swail, who claimed this class last year, set the standard for the remaining combinations with a perfectly judged clear round. It was only five horses later that the newly crowned FEI European Champion and Rolex Testimonee, Steve Guerdat, ensured that there would be a jump-off as he mastered the technical course aboard the impressive gelding Albfuehren’s Maddox.
The world-class field truly impressed the knowledgeable Canadian crowd with a total of 15 riders clearing the 1.55m, 12 combination course faultlessly. The elite list of riders included the winner of the ATCO Cup earlier in the day, Martin Fuchs, and Britain's Matthew Sampson, a regular winner at the venue. The crowd also were thrilled to see Canadian riders Mario Deslauriers and Erynn Ballard finish the first-round fault-free.
Three combinations elected not to return to the jump-off, meaning that 12 combinations proceeded to the jump-off. Entering the ring in the same order that they jumped in the first round, it was second to go, Switzerland’s Steve Guerdat, who jumped the first double clear of the class in a time of 44.27 seconds and set the pace for those to follow. However, fourth into the arena Richard Vogel with the big striding stallion, United Touch S (Untouched), eclipsed Guerdat’s lead with a time of 43.07 seconds. The pressure was then on the remaining competitors to match the time set by the young German rider. America’s Natalie Dean came closest to taking the title away from Vogel, but eventually crossed the finish line in a time of 43.63 seconds to take second place aboard Nespresso van 't Laekhof (Cicero Z van Paemel).
Speaking on his victory Vogel stated: “I feel amazing! My horse jumped incredibly – I think he really likes the ring here. He jumped superbly in the first round and gave me a great feeling in the jump-off. The size of the arena here suits him very well, he has so much scope and such a big stride so I can leave out strides without ever chasing him. We tried our best and luckily it was enough to take the win.”
Commenting on his plan for the CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex, the German continued: “I was planning on competing him in the class tomorrow to get him used to the ring, as it is his first time at Spruce Meadows. The arena here is so unique – you do not get the opportunity to ride in one like this very often! He felt so confident and jumped so well, so now I have to decide if don’t jump him until Sunday or if I stick to my original plan.”
The stage was completed by Germany's Hans-Dieter Dreher and his trusted Elysium (VDL Zirocco Blue NOP).
Source: Equnews/Press Release - F. © Ashley Neuhof/Rolex Grand Slam