Edited press release from Spruce Meadows

Friday at the CSI5* Spruce Meadows 'Continental' 2022 marked the final day of qualifier competitions for athletes hoping to compete this weekend. 

The Friends of the Meadows CSI5* 1.55m was the final qualifying competition for Sunday's Friends of the Meadows Grand Prix, presented by Rolex. It ended with a two-horse jump-off between two great riders; Patrcio Pasquel (MEX) on Babel (Billy du Lys x High-Flyer) and Nayel Nassar (EGY) on Coronado (Cassini I x Acord II) – both having recently competed at the 2022 World Championships in Herning, Denmark. Pasquel with his great gelding Babel inched out Nassar riding Coronado posting the winning clear ride in a time of 39.59s. Captain Brian Cournane (USA) on Armik (Armitage x Justinian XX) placed third, while the fourth spot went to Jim Ifko (CAN) on Un Diamant Des Forets (Diamant de Semilly x Papillon Rouge) and fifth to Katie Laurie (AUS) on Django II (Lordano x Brilliant Invader XX). 

Earlier in the day, current world number four, Conor Swail (IRL) and world number ten, Kent Farrington (USA), dueled in a two-horse jump-off for top spot in the Friends of the Meadows CSI5* 1.50m. Riding the wonderful Gazelle (Kashmir van Schuttershof x Indoctro), Farrington galloped through the finish line in a time of 42.89, just one second quicker than Swail's clear round on Gamble (Vingino x Indoctro) at 43.58. Katie Laurie (AUS) continued her great form, placing third on Cera Caruso (Casall x unknown), while Vanessa Mannix (CAN) on Kitting Des Hausseurs (Winningmood x Thunder van de Zuuthoeve) placed fourth and Erynn Ballard (CAN) on Quilana Defender (Quidam de Revel x Cento) fifth.