Edited press release from Spruce Meadows

The grounds were packed for an exciting CSIO5* BMO Nations Cup Day at Spruce Meadows. The International Ring was filled with fans from one end to the other, ready to watch eight nations, including the reigning Olympic and world champions Sweden, go head to head over a possible two rounds of competition.

All eight nations took part in the first round of competition and the top six teams competed in the second round. Leopoldo Palacios (VEN) designed a 475m track that included 12 obstacles (15 efforts) including some well known fences, the Dutch Bicycle and Canada Planks – all needing to be completed in a time of 72 seconds or less.

After the first round of competition, Sweden, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Mexico and Canada all qualified for the second round, leaving the United States of America and France to finish in 7th and 8th respectively.

Coming into round two, Sweden and the Netherlands were in control on a zero penalty score, followed by Switzerland in third on seven faults. The unexpected elimination of Sweden's Henrik von Eckermann and Nababette Z (Nabab de Reve x Gasper) in round two meant that the three remaining riders' scores would count, but with two double clear rounds from Jens Fredricson on Markan Cosmopolit (Cohiba x Calido I) as well as Rolf-Göran Bengtsson on Ermindo W (Singapore x Carinjo), and only a single rail during Peder Fredricson's ride on Catch Me Not S (Cardento x Ramiro’s Son) in round two, Sweden took home the victory in the 2022 BMO Nations Cup on a total score of four faults. Switzerland and the Netherlands finished in second and third respectively. 

"It's a bucket list thing, I think every show jumper in the world starts from the beginning and the world knows about something called Spruce Meadows, the 'Masters'. Just to come here and see it is one thing and to come here and fight for the trophy is another. It's so much work to get here, I'm super proud of the riders," Henrik Ankarcrona, Chef d'Equipe of Team Sweden said after the victory.