Press release from Thunderbird Show Park

Five-star competition at Thunderbird Show Park kicked off with the CSIO5* 1.45m Happy Welcome on Thursday. Some used the class as an opportunity to stretch their legs and get out on the grass prior to the afternoon’s big class, but most brought out their second and third horses to get them used to the atmosphere in a new environment.

America’s Ashley Vogel sped to the top of the leaderboard with Bellissimo Z (Bamako de Muze x Chin-Chin). Going halfway in the class of nearly 50, they stopped the timers in 58.81 seconds, which simply was too quick for the rest of the field. Ireland’s David Blake and Milan (Perigueux x Lordanos) gave it a good shot but had to settle for second in 60.23, and Canada’s Bretton Chad took third with Grandeur WP (Whistler x Vainqueur) in 62.25.

Catch all the action from the Odlum Brown BC Open CSIO5*/2* Thursday through Sunday, highlighted by the Longines Grand Prix on Friday at 4pm and the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ of Canada on Sunday at 2pm.