(SPRUCE MEADOWS, Calgary, AB): Cheers from the Mexican contingent rang out around Meadows on the Green, as one of their own, Enrique Gonzales, won the Cargill Barrage 1.40m.
Fifty-four entries tested their skill on the course laid down by Course Designer Guilherme Noguera Jorge of Brazil on the second day of the Spruce Meadows “Canada One” Tournament. The course was very technical and demanding and only 10 entries returned for the jump-off.
“I think Guilherme saw the entry list and knew he had to build something tough,” says Gonzales. “There were so many good horses and good riders. It wasn’t a crazy course, but a technical one.”
For Gonzales, his was the victory that almost wasn’t. He was a late addition to the competition after missing his chance to enter his horse in the competition Thursday night. Because of his post-entry, he and his mount San Lucas were first to go in the event but their early placement paid off.
“It turned out good, I made my plan and rode the course the way I planned,” says Gonzales.
Cara Raether (USA) was fourth to go in the jump-off. She and her horse Lord G rode clear with the fast time of 41.53, but still just over a full second behind Gonzalez. Lord G is a new mount for her but already the pair seems to have the right chemistry.
“I literally got him the Friday before we came here,” says Raether. “We brought a lot of new horse power this year.”
Spend Canada Day enjoying some great Show Jumping action as the “Canada One” continues tomorrow, with jumping beginning at 8:00 am. The highlight of the afternoon will be the RBC World Cup Qualifier on the Meadows on the Green which will also feature a performance by the Lord Strathcona’s Musical Ride.
For more information please visit www.sprucemeadows.com
You must be logged in to post a comment.