Press release from Spruce Meadows Media Services

Saturday afternoon of the Spruce Meadows 'Continental' CSI5*, presented by Rolex brought sixty-six horse-and-rider combinations into the Meadows on the Green for the 1.50m Canadian Utilities Cup. The technical track by FEI Course Designer Michel Vaillancourt (CAN) tested the riders over thirteen obstacles (sixteen efforts) including three double combinations and two liver pools. 

Six riders representing five nations posted clear rounds advancing to the jump off. Darragh Kenny (IRL) was first to go and put the pressure on posting a clear ride and quick time of 37.71s. Second last to go was Bliss Heers (USA) and she laid it all on the line riding Antidote de Mars (Diamant de Semilly x Jarnac). Jumping a clear round she posted a time of 36.68s to take the lead. It came down to the wire with world number one Steve Guerdat (SUI) last to go and he was just off the pace, posting a clear round and a time of 36.82s to take second place with Victorio des Frotards (Barbarian x Prince Ig'or).

 "This is really quite emotional for me. A year ago I broke my back and now to win at Spruce Meadows and to beat two Olympic champions is very special," Bliss Heers commented on her first career win at Spruce Meadows.