Meadows on the Green was ready to welcome equine athletes back to the turf to kick off the ‘Pan American’ CSI5*, presented by Rolex. Over 40 horse/rider combinations tackled the one round competition over the track designed by FEI Course Designer Gregory Bodo (FRA).
The 12 obstacle (15 jumping effort) track had to be completed in a time of 75 seconds or less and while a number of riders did not keep on the pace, the top eight placings proved it could be done. Leading today’s victory gallop was Sameh el Dahan (GBR) and WKD Toronto (Torneschà who posted the fastest clear round of the day in a time of 68.16s.
“This is my favorite ring (Meadows on the Green), my first Spruce Meadows Grand Prix win was here so it is always a very emotional ring for me. Obviously after 3 years not jumping (on Meadows on the Green), I think it jumped very good today and all the horses enjoyed it, my two horses jumped great on it. Great footing, flat, great set of jumps so its always very exciting to jump at Spruce Meadows.” - Sameh el Dahan (GBR) on his win of The Herd 1.50m.
On stage, John Perez Bohm and Gigi-Carmen (Bacardi VDL) followed with a clear round, leaving Kent Farrington and his trusted Comilfo Plus Z-son, Landon (ex. Crack de Nyze) in a third place.
