Press release from Spruce Meadows, edited by World of Showjumping

Opening day of the Spruce Meadows 'National', presented by Rolex, welcomed athletes back to the iconic International Ring as competition got underway for an exciting week of world-class sport.

The opening CSI5* competition featured a one-round speed challenge designed by FEI Course Designer Olaf Petersen Jr. (GER). The track tested athletes over 12 obstacles (14 efforts), with competitors required to complete the 540m track within the 81s time allowed to avoid penalties.

A total of 56 horse/rider combinations stepped through the Clock Tower to take on the challenge. When the final results were tallied, it was Rowan Willis (AUS) and Cape Town (Casallco x Chacco-Blue) who emerged victorious, delivering the fastest fault-free performance of the day to secure the win.

The victory marks a strong start to the week for Willis and Cape Town as international competition continues this week at Spruce Meadows. “I've got a new team of horses and I always love this show (Spruce Meadows) so it's really good to be back and great to be in the International Ring,” says Rowan Willis on returning to Spruce Meadows.

Second place went to John Perez Bohm (COL) and Aztlan (Tangelo van de Zuuthoeve x Andiamo), while Sean Jobin (CAN) and Grande Dame DK (By Cera d'Ick x Kannan GFE) finished third.