Press release from Spruce Meadows, edited by World of Showjumping

The sun was shining over Spruce Meadows as the 'Pan American' presented by Rolex got underway. Opening day featured a single competition on the International Ring, the Mission: Possible 1.50m, where 91 horse/rider combinations set out to begin the tournament on a high note.

Designed by FEI Course Designer Anderson Lima (MEX), the one-round track challenged athletes with 12 obstacles (14 efforts) all to be completed in a time of 80 seconds or less. 

Following an impressive first half of his Spruce Meadows tour , Mark Bluman (COL) returned to the International Ring determined to finish on top. Riding Phelina de Septon (Jenson van't Meulenhof x Landor S), Bluman delivered the fastest fault-free performance of the day, stopping the clock in 69.94 seconds. His flawless round proved unbeatable, topping a field of 90 competitors to claim the opening international victory of the 'Pan American' presented by Rolex. Second place went to Jos Verlooy (BEL) and Parise van den Dael (Zazu x For Passion D Ive Z), while Lillie Keenan (USA) and Emerlon (Emerald x Toulon) followed in third. 

“They (the horses) grow a lot here (Spruce Meadows). It's a big atmosphere, it's big jumps. So I think they come here and when they leave they're going to come out better horses - all the horses have been improving well.” Mark Bluman (COL) on how his horses have been improving from competing at Spruce Meadows.