The $36,500 CWD 1.45m FEI speed competition took place Friday night in the Del Mar Arena, as 44 entries put the pedal to the metal around Marina Azevedo's 13-effort course including two double combinations. In an effort to beat the clock, many pairs had rails down, but 10 completed the course with no penalties, the fastest of which was Richard Spooner aboard Love (Heartbreaker x Indorado).

Spooner rode early in the class, but that didn't stop him from putting in a time no one could catch on the 8-year-old grey Warmblood gelding. "He's very green, but he has special skills," said Spooner. "He's very, very careful, he's naturally quick, and he has plenty of scope. Tonight all the work we've been putting in at home paid off. He's a wonderful horse and I'm very optimistic for the future." Spooner would like to thank owners Clark and Molly Ohrstrom for giving him the ride on Love. 

Coming in second place in the competitive class was Ashlee Bond on Ereina (Namelus R x Solitair), a 9-year-old bay KWPN mare owned by Poden Farms. In third place was Kevin Babington and Mark Q (Obos Quality x Positively), a 16-year-old bay Irish Sport Horse gelding.