Julien Gonin and Estrella de La Batia won Wednesday's CSIO5* 1.50m Cardel Homes Cup at Spruce Meadows. Photo © Jenny Abrahamsson/WoSJ.
Edited press release from Spruce Meadows
Julien Gonin of France kicked off the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ 2024 with a win in Wednesday afternoon’s CSIO5* 1.50m Cardel Homes Cup feature competition with his mare Estrella de La Batia (Diamant de Semilly x Lando). Gonin topped an 11-horse jump-off, beating Olympians Steve Guerdat (SUI) and Ben Maher (GBR), who came second and third, fresh off their individual silver and team gold at the Paris Olympics this summer.
Gonin topped the 11-horse jump-off, beating Olympians Steve Guerdat and Ben Maher who came second and third. Photo © Jenny Abrahamsson/WoSJ.
Nonetheless, Guerdat – who rode Looping Luna (Lord Fauntleroy x Calido), and Maher – aboard Exit Remo (San Remo x Ferro), earned a place in Sunday’s $3 million CPKC ‘International’, presented by Rolex, with the top three from Wednesday's Cardel Homes Cup getting a guaranteed entry.
The trio topped a starting group of 41 horse-rider pairings to dominate the course designed by the legendary Leopoldo Palacios (VEN).
Gonin said: “You always know, when you’re competing at Spruce Meadows, to expect the highest level of competition. I’ve known that since I was kid, working as a groom for Michel Robert. I would be working with the horses, and didn’t dare dream of competing at Spruce Meadows. Yet here I am.”
Steve Guerdat and Looping Luna placed second. Photo © Jenny Abrahamsson/WoSJ.
Wednesday's other star, Matthew Sampson (GBR), came 11th in the Cardel Homes Cup with Daniel (Heartbreaker x San Patrignano Mister), following his win in Wednesday morning’s CSIO5* 1.45m TELUS Cup with gelding Fabrice DN (Gelha's VDL Emilion x Baloubet du Rouet).
Lillie Keenan (USA) and Kick On (Warrior x Caretino Glory) came second, while Kristaps Neretnieks (LAT) and Quintes (Quinton x Consul) were third.
Then