In a thrilling conclusion to the second day of the Spruce Meadows 'National', presented by Rolex, Canadian rider Erynn Ballard cruised to a first place finish aboard the gelding Jack Van't Kattenheye (Diabeau van de Heffinck x Canadian River) in the 1.55m PWC Cup.
Ballard's hard fought win came after a first round that saw 9 out of thirty-one horse and rider combinations make it to the jump-off. The course, designed by Anthony D'Ambrosio (USA), consisted of 12 obstacles and 15 jumping efforts and a time allowed of 78 seconds. After a tough first round that saw many jumping faults, a competitive jump-off ensued. With the likes of Nayel Nassar (EGY), Kyle King (USA), Kent Farrington (USA), and Conor Swail (IRL) returning to battle it out for the top spot, there was no doubt that the winner would need a clean round with a difficult time to beat.
It was Ballard who prevailed with a time of 36.4 seconds, leaving more than 4 seconds between herself and the second place finish by Captain Brian Cournane (IRL) with Armik (Armitage x Justinian xx). Third place went to Conor Swail (IRL) and Gamble (Vingino x Indoctro) with a time of 40.93 seconds in the jump-off.
Not only was this the first win by a Canadian rider of the year at Spruce Meadows, but it was also Ballard's first individual win in the International Ring.
"What I have realized by being back here, is that the horses need to come here to take the next step in their careers," Ballard said of being back at Spruce Meadows. "The horses have to come to Spruce Meadows, and I feel like the opportunity to be here for these three weeks is going to put us a step ahead moving into 2022."