Lauren Hough and Ohlala Win the CANA Cup

Lauren Hough and Ohlala Win the CANA Cup
Weather conditions were markedly improved for today's opening competition of the Spruce Meadows 'Masters' Tournament. While originally scheduled to start yesterday, snowfall, downed trees, and power outages pushed the start of all competition to Thursday at the 'Masters', the first instance of a complete day's reschedule of competition in the 39-year history of Spruce Meadows tournaments.

There were three events on the Thursday schedule, with an increase in prize money to $210,000 for the CANA Cup 1.60m. Lauren Hough (USA) and Ohlala were the fastest for victory. Earlier in the day, Kent Farrington (USA) and Blue Angel sped to the win in the $50,000 TELUS Cup 1.50m. Eric Lamaze (CAN) prevented a U.S. sweep of the day when he won the $50,000 ATCO Structures & Logistics Cup 1.50m with Fine Lady 5. All three competitions were changed to a speed format as well to help keep the footing in top shape for the rest of the week.

The addition of $85,000 in prize money to the CANA Cup 1.60m (originally for the Finning Cup) made it even more competitive. The courses this week are designed by Leopoldo Palacios of Venezuela. The speed competition had 44 entries, with eight clear trips. Hough and Ohlala, a 10-year-old Swedish Warmlood mare by Orlando x Cardento owned by The Ohlala Group, were the only pair to break the 60 second mark. Their time of 59.901 took the top spot. Kent Farrington and Uceko were just behind in 61.331 seconds, while Kevin Staut (FRA) went into third place on a time of 62.961 seconds with Oh D'Eole.

Hough went third to last, and while she was able to see Farrington and other quick trips, she knew her plan for Ohlala's way of going. β€œI actually have a plan for that horse from the moment I walk the course,” she confirmed. β€œIt doesn't normally change. She's a really naturally fast horse across the ground, and always putting one more (stride) in is quicker than leaving one out with her. I stuck with my plan. I took a couple shots here and there, and I got a little bit lucky today.”

Ohlala has been a winner at the biggest show jumping competitions in the world, including a successful CHIO Aachen in July. β€œI think this is quite similar to Aachen. I have high hopes for the weekend; if I don't screw up, I think she'll perform really well,” Hough said.

While many were unsure what today would bring in terms of footing, the team at Spruce Meadows was praised by all of the riders. β€œHats off to the team here,” Hough remarked. β€œI'm sure that they worked hours and hours and hours while we were all sleeping, snuggled up in our warm hotel rooms! You really never lose faith at a venue like this, with the crew that they have. You knew that one way or another they were going to pull off a fantastic competition, and they did.”

Hough plans to ride Quick Study on the U.S. team in Saturday's BMO Nations' Cup and Ohlala in Sunday's $1.5 Million CP International, presented by Rolex.