Edited press release from Spruce Meadows
It was glory for Canada on the first day of the ‘National’, presented by Rolex, as the world-famous International Ring saw its first action of the season.
Sean Jobin and the 13-year-old gelding Arkuga (Arko III x Heartbreaker) topped a talent-packed leader board with a fast clear round of 69.70s in the single-round CSI5* 1.50m Friends of the Meadows.
The 30-year-old rider, who is originally from Toronto, shared his delight at fulfilling a lifelong dream of riding to victory in the International Ring.
“This is my first time here,” said Jobin, who is now based in Florida and Ohio. “It’s so special. I got off the plane on Monday and the first thing I did was come to Spruce Meadows to see the International Ring for myself, with my own eyes. It’s so big."
“When you come through the clock tower for the first time, it can have people inspired or inflated, and horses can be intimidated by it. I had a big smile on my face walking through that clock tower, getting a chance to do that. Arkuga loves it here too.”
Americans Elena Haas on Koss Van Heiste (Breemeersen Adorado x Contact vd Heffinck), and Hannah Selleck on Cloud 39 (Clarimo x Quintero), placed second and third, respectively, with times of 69.74 and 71.71.
In the CSI5* 1.45m Friends of the Meadows class, Ireland’s Conor Swail picked up his second Spruce Meadows Summer Series victory riding the 10-year-old mare My Lady Lavista (Mylord Carthago x Levisto).
His triumph, with a blistering speed of 65.55s in the competition, came off the back of last week’s win in the 1.45m Mission:Possible on day one of the ‘Continental’, presented by Rolex.
Riders on 81 different horses entered the CSI5* competition on a 12 obstacle (14 effort) course crafted by German legend Olaf Petersen Jr., who is widely considered to be one of the world’s best course designers.
Belgium's Jos Verlooy and Parise Van Den Dael (I Am Moerhoeve's Star x Passion d'Ive Z) finished second with a time of 66.42, followed by Mexico's Karime Perez Nunez and Felicie de Coquerie (Malito de Reve x Quiniou) in third in 67.36.