Press release from Spruce Meadows, edited by World of Showjumping

The Friends of the Meadows Cup 1.50m served as the featured competition on the International Ring on Saturday at the Spruce Meadows 'Pan American', presented by Rolex, with Germany's Richard Vogel and his Phenyo Van Het Keysersbos (Corydon van T&L x Heartbreaker) emerging victorious.

Forty-six horse/rider combinations passed through the iconic Clock Tower to contest the track, set by FEI Course Designer Anderson Lima (MEX). The course featured 13 obstacles and 16 jumping efforts, with riders required to finish in 79 seconds or less to advance to the jump-off. Only five combinations met that standard, including world #2-ranked rider and live Rolex Grand Slam contender Richard Vogel.

Vogel and Phenyo Van Het Keysersbos delivered in the jump-off, stopping the clock in 45.53 seconds to take the top spot.

Lillie Keenan (USA) and Emerlon (Emerald van't Ruytershof x Toulon) finished second with a time of 46.93 seconds, while Great Britain's Robert Whitaker and Strike a Pose (Catwalk x Lux Z) rounded out the top three in 55.33 seconds. With riders from eight different nations placing in the top 10, the result reflected the truly international caliber of the field at this year's 'Pan American', presented by Rolex.

“The Summer Series (at Spruce Meadows) I think is a brilliant, for me two weeks, in general five weeks with one week off, where you have more time that you spend here. We’ll do a few smaller classes with up and coming horses where there's not so much pressure on the horse and also not on us riders. We can enjoy the facility a little bit more. And that's what we do.” Richard Vogel on his first time to the Summer Tournaments at Spruce Meadows and enjoying the experience.