(SPRUCE MEADOWS, Calgary, AB): Two-time Spruce Meadows North American Champion TM Jill Henselwood of Oxford Mills, Ontario took a big step toward scoring a hat-trick tonight when she and her mount, Special Ed, won the Direct Energy Cup (1.60m).
One of only two riders to go clear in the first round, Henselwood and Special Ed were ready and raring to go for the jump-off.
“Special Ed is getting ready for Saturday and I know he’s a horse that really enjoys the jump-off,” says Henselwood. “So I tried to go clear in Special Ed fashion.” Her tight turns, fast pace and clear ride were enough to place her above Mexico’s Enrique Gonzalez who voluntarily retired after accumulating 8 faults in the jump-off.
Despite her success tonight, Henselwood still has reservations about her chances in the Spruce Meadows North American Championship TM as German course designer Werner Deeg has been giving the riders in the International Ring a run for their money. “I try not to think about the championship, I just take it one course at a time,” says Henselwood. “I mean, if this is what we are seeing for $50,000, what will $200,000 be like?”
“I’m just going to walk the course and do my best.”
Following two days of competition, Henselwood is sitting in third position in the Spruce Meadows North American Championship™ with only 20 points separating her and leader Beezie Madden (USA). Mario Deslauriers (CAN) is second with only ten points separating him from the leader.
Richard Spooner (USA) was all smiles earlier in the evening when he and his eight yearold Dutch Warmblood, Cristallo, jumped to victory in the Pengrowth Cup (1.50m). The pair was last to go in a 4 horse jump-off, managing to go clear with a time of 47.37. Though still relatively young, Spooner says Cristallo has the potential to be his top horse. Over the last five weeks he’s really turned into a tremendous competitor,” says Spooner. Now he can really relax into it . . . he’s like a fish in water.”
Beezie Madden (USA) came in second aboard Integrity and Mexico’s Antonio Maurer ounded out third spot.
Tomorrow is Family Fun Night at the Spruce Meadows “North American”, presented by he real Canadian Superstore, the Calgary Herald, Pepsi and Country 105. Bring the whole family out to enjoy a free hot dog and Pepsi, some great Show Jumping action and a special performance of the RCMP Musical Ride.
For more information please visit www.sprucemeadows.com
Pengrowth Open I Cup 1.50m
1. Richard Spooner/Cristallo/Agua Dulce, CA/0 - 47.37 (Jump Off)
2. Beezie Madden/Integrity/Cazenovia, NY/0 - 48.030 (Jump Off)
3. Antonio Maurer/Odamillo/Mexico/0 - 50.34 (Jump-Off)
4. Alfredo Miguel Trevino/Acolino/Peubla, MEX/4 - 48.34 (Jump-Off)
5. Norman Dello Joio/Quriel/Wellington, FL/4 -72.49
Direct Energy Cup 1.60m
1. Jill Henselwood/Special Ed/Oxford Mills, ON/0 - 49.31 (Jump-Off)
2. Enrique Gonzalez/Leo 127/Col Tetelpan, MEX/Retired (Jump-Off)
3. Marcela Lobo/Joskin/Mexico City, MEX/1 - 81.33
4. Mario Deslauriers/Paradigm/Bromont, QC/4 - 73.74
5. Beezie Madden/Authentic/Cazenovia, NY/4 - 74.51
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