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McLain Ward wins the 2019 ATCO Connect at Spruce Meadows

Saturday, 06 July 2019
CSI5* Spruce Meadows 'North American' 2019

Photo © Spruce Meadows Media/Jack Cusano McLain Ward and Noche de Ronda. Photo © Spruce Meadows Media/Jack Cusano.

 

Press release from Spruce Meadows

 


 

The rain finally subsided for the start of the International Ring on Friday of the Spruce Meadows 'North American', presented by Rolex. Thirty-four horse-and-rider combinations entered the 2019 ATCO Connect 1.50m to take on the course designed by FEI Course Designer Santiago Varela (ESP).

The one round competition tested riders to go as quickly as they could while leaving all of the fences up. The field of competitors made represented ten countries but it would be the United States that claimed the victory. Number six on the world rankings list, McLain Ward (USA) aboard the 10 year old Oldenburg mare, Noche de Ronda (Quintender x Loves Corinth) covered the track in a quick time of 58.15s - over one second faster than second place finisher Angel Karolyi (VEN) on April Moon (Quinar x Landwind II). Daniel Coyle (IRL) and Farrel (Cardento x Stakkato) finished third. 

"Here (Spruce Meadows) the level of competition is so high you can never take it (a fast time) for granted," McLain Ward commented on his quick time that held up in the ATCO Connect.

The rain held off as the 2019 Pepsi Challenge began - the final competition on the International Ring for Friday of the 'North American' Tournament. Sixteen horse-and-rider combinations representing eleven countries started the 1.45m competition hoping for a trip to the winner's circle and their name added to historic Pepsi Challenge trophy.

The one round competition had its tests over the track, and Philipp Weishaupt from Germany clearly well prepared for the test and made it look easy. Aboard Coby 8 (Contagio x Escudo 19), Weishaupt effective and efficiently covered the course and crossed the finish line with no faults and a time of 61.19s. Andrew Kocher (USA) finished second, and Angel Karolyi (VEN) third.

"I'm very happy with how he (Coby 8) has been coming along. He started off quite green and spooky in week one to now winning here in the International Ring," Philipp Weishaupt commented on his young horse Coby 8 and how he has developed over the Spruce Meadows Summer Series.

 



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