Edited press release from Spruce Meadows
Spruce Meadows veteran Matthew Sampson came first in Sunday’s CSI5* 1.50m ATB Cup, the final competition of the ‘National’, presented by Rolex.
Britain’s Sampson and the 11-year-old mare One Whisper (Daniel x Kannan) beat 34 other horse-and-rider combinations, and five jump-off rivals, to take the top spot in the exciting 1.50m contest.
Speaking after the event, Sampson said: “To be honest, I’ve been a bit slow this week, I’ve been fourth twice, and the horses were jumping great. I just wanted to try and go as fast as I could. Take a bit of risk. Luckily, it paid off.”
Katie Laurie, of Australia, came second with Django II (Lordano x Brilliant Invader) with a time of 42.92 seconds. Third place went to Canada’s Sean Jobin and Coquelicot VH Huevelland Z (Catoki x Cassini II), who crossed the timers in 45.96 seconds.
A smiling McKayla Langmeier rode to victory in the CSI5* 1.45m ATCO Cup. The American rider and the 11-year-old mare Chadina (Conthargos x Narew) trounced ten other riders in the jump-off, emerging from a starting class of 33 on one of the tournament’s final courses set by German designer Olaf Petersen Jr.
Langmeier was followed by Ireland's Daniel Coyle and Jasper (Falaise de Muze x VDL Emilion) in second, while Calgary’s Kyle Timm and Atomica Des Sequoias Z (Arezzo VDL x Saccor) came third.