Edited press release from Spruce Meadows
Canada’s Tiffany Foster solidified her status as the world’s top-ranked female showjumper when clinching victory in Saturday's CSI5* 1.60m RBC Grand Prix, presented by Rolex, at Spruce Meadows' 'The National'.
Foster and the 10-year-old gelding Battlecry (Vigo d'Arsoilles x Latano) came first in the jump-off, beating Erynn Ballard to a stunning victory on the International Ring. Foster beat her fellow Canadian Olympic squad hopeful Ballard and Nikka VD Bisschop (Emerald x Nabab de Reve) by just over half-a-second, coming in at 42.23s to Ballard’s 42.71s.
The dynamic duo faced just two other finalists in the jump-off, including Jos Verlooy, of Belgium, on Origi (Vigo d'Arsouilles x Karioka del Follee), who came third. Great Britain's Matthew Sampson and Daniel (Heartbreaker x San Patrignano Mister) were knocked off a super-tight leaderboard, coming fourth at less than a second behind Foster, at 42.83s.
Foster gave credit for the win, against a starting class of 34 other riders, to Battlecry. “I was definitely not at my best today,” said Foster. “I had a little chat with him and just asked him to be there for me today, and he did it."
“I can’t even begin to describe that feeling that a horse gives you, when he’s giving you his all."
“He’s a really fast horse. He’s still pretty green. This is his first year of trying at that 1.60 level."
“When you have a great horse like this, there are things that come along that we had to work through. But I’ve always believed that he would be able to do it. His stride length is incredible. Honestly, that’s where he makes up a lot of ground.”
Riding Farrel (Cardento x Stakkato), Ireland's Daniel Coyle was victorious in the CSI5* 1.45-1.50m Apex Cup, presented by Brookfield Residential.
He beat Egypt's Nayel Nassar aboard Linguini de La Pomme (Marius Claudius x Tinka's Boy), and Israel’s Daniel Bluman on Corbie V.V. (Cornet Obolensky x Chacco-Blue) in the 24-rider one-round contest.