President & CEO Linda Southern-Heathcott presents Amy Millar with her trophy. Photo © Spruce Meadows Media/Tony Lewis.
Edited press release from Spruce Meadows
Canada's Amy Millar and Christiano (Canoso x Compliment) kicked off the Spruce Meadows Summer Series with a home win in Thursday's CSI5* 1.50m The Partners. With a time of 68.09 seconds, Millar beat 18 competitors from nine different countries. Hannah Selleck (USA) and Cloud 39 (Clarimo x Quintero) finished second with a time of 70.92, while Erynn Ballard (CAN) and Nikka vd Bisschop (Emerald x Nabab de Reve) took third in 71.26.
Millar, who grew up riding at Spruce Meadows, was delighted to take the top spot at the main event on day one of The ‘Continental’, presented by Rolex. Following her win, Millar was asked about the potential of an all-female Olympic showjumping team in Paris this summer. “My most important goal is that we put forward our strongest team because it would be really, really fantastic and special," Millar said. “I really believe we have good enough horses and riders to get something good done there (at the upcoming Paris Olympics). So that’s what I’m most excited about.”
Millar’s victory lap around the scenic All Canada Ring was lead by mounted troops from the Lord Strathcona’s Horse, as part of Spruce Meadows’ recognition of the 80 years since Canada’s participation in D-Day – 6 June 1944 – during World War II. President and CEO Linda Southern-Heathcott, Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel of the King’s Own Calgary Regiment, presented Millar with her trophy.
Millar added: “The amount of respect that this facility gives to all of Canada, and especially the military, is fantastic. When you look at the way the world is today you kind of wonder why we didn't learn more from all of the sacrifices of the past. My grandfather served and that is always on my mind as well.”
Conor Swail and Gamble, winners of the CSI5* 1.45m Mission:Possible. Photo © Spruce Meadows Media/Tony Lewis.
Ireland’s Conor Swail took first place in the 1.45m Mission:Possible, the first of the two CSI5* competitions on the All Canada Ring on Thursday, after beating a whopping 95 other entrants. Swail, atop 13-year-old gelding Gamble (Vingino x Indoctro), posted a clear round of 64.28 seconds.
McKayla Langmeier (USA), piloting Chadina (Conthargos x Narew), came in at a very close second with a time of 64.49. Cassio Rivetti (BRA) and Chaggall de Toscane (Norton d'Eole x Opium de Talma) were almost two seconds behind the winner, with a clear round in 66.01, to finish third.
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