Edited press release from Spruce Meadows

A young buck from the Czech Republic made history on Sunday, becoming the first rider from his country to win a CSI5* event at Spruce Meadows. 

It was also the first-ever 5* win for 29-year-old Vaclav Stanek with Quintin (Quaprice Bois Margot x Emilion), who beat a field of seasoned pros to take top spot in the 1.60m Duncan Ross Grand Prix, the final event of The ‘Continental’, presented by Rolex. 

Stanek, who just two years ago was working as a groom at the Spruce Meadows Summer Series, told how going into today’s contest, he ‘didn’t even expect to get a clear round, let alone win my first 5* event.’

“It’s so special because this is my favourite show in the world,” said Stanek, a former Rolex Young Riders Academy pupil who went into the test ranked 1813th in the world. “I have watched Spruce Meadows since I was a little kid hoping one day I could ride here, but I would never even dream about winning here. I finally got my cooler in the best way possible,” he added, referencing the championship blankets winning horses receive at the end of a 5* competition, in this case baring the name of event sponsors Duncan Ross.

Stanek’s win proved a bit of a shake-up in a seasoned field. Riders from 15 countries, on 37 different horses, entered the preliminary round. Just five made it past a challenging set of 13 obstacles and 16 efforts for clear rounds in under 83s. In the end, Stanek beat Britain’s Matthew Sampson on Daniel (Heartbreaker x San Patrignano Mister), Conor Swail (IRL) with Casturano (Castelan 3 x Canturo), Nicholas Dello Joio (USA) on Cornet’s Cambridge (Balou Du Reventon x Cambridge 8) and Sharn Wordley (NZL) atop Champion League (Cador 5 x Contendro I) to secure his dream victory.

A new face on the leaderboard was welcomed by course designer Marina Azevedo (BRA), the first builder to test out the newly renovated All Canada Ring this year. “It’s so nice to have some new riders coming up,” said Azevedo. “As a course designer, I love it here. It’s very different, very nice.”

Earlier in the day, it was victory for Vanessa Hood (USA) and Burlington Riverland (Mylord Carthago x Dollar du Murier) in the CSI5* Canadian Utilities Cup 1.45m-1.50m.

Hood was presented with her trophy by Canadian Utilities Chair and CEO Nancy Southern, who was this week named as one of four Calgarians who will be granted The Alberta Order of Excellence later in the year. The title is the highest citizen honour the provincial government can grant, for contributions to the ‘greater good’, and we couldn’t be prouder of our Spruce Meadows Co-Chair.

Vanessa topped a class of 55 FEI competitors, with Jos Verlooy (BEL) and Nixon Van’t Meulenhof (Denzel van'T Meulenhof x Carthago) taking second, followed by Canada’s Sean Jobin on Arkuga (Arko III x Heartbreaker) coming in third.