Edited press release from Spruce Meadows

The CSI5* 1.50m Bantrel Cup kicked off competition in the International Ring at Spruce Meadows for the 2022 Tournament Season. Over 50 entries tackled the track laid down by FEI course designer Anthony D'Ambrosio (USA) for the one round competition. Riders needed to be clear and quick if they wanted to reach the winner's circle.

Ireland's Conor Swail, ranked 5th in the world, riding Nadal Hero & DB (Kannan x Polydor), could not be caught. The pair laid down the unbeatable time of 68.36s – just over two seconds faster than Manuel Gonzalez Dufrane (MEX) who posted a time of 70.32s aboard Martialis (Nabab de Reve x Lord Z). Katherine Strauss (USA) and Fair Field (Zirocco Blue VDL x Chin Chin) took the third place, in a time of 71.07 seconds, while Eric Krawitt (CAN) finished fourth with Cactus de Cosniere (Padock du Plessis x Flipper d'Elle) and Jordan Coyle (IRL) fifth with Costa Diam (Componist Champblanc x Allegreto).

The top five placed riders from the Bantrel Cup qualified for the RBC Grand Prix of Canada, presented by Rolex on Saturday.