CALGARY, AB Dropping out of a race when you’re winning isn’t usually the strategy of a champion. But for Perth, Ontario show jumper Ian Millar, it might be a successful one. Selection trials for Canada’s Pan American Games team are nearing an end at the Spruce Meadows National tournament in Calgary. After the first two selection trials, held in Palgrave, Ontario, Millar held the lead aboard his younger, less-experienced mount, Redefin. He held down second spot with his more seasoned campaigner, In Style. This week when the trials resumed in Calgary, in what might seem an unusual move, Millar withdrew Redefin from the selection trials, entering him in other competitions at the Spruce Meadows National. In two competitions, in two days, against a tough international field, the pair have not knocked a single jump down. 60-year-old Millar and his 9-year-old partner won tonight’s $25,000 competition as the only pair to jump fault-free.
But, Millar’s strategy isn’t as unorthodox as it might appear. Redefin isn’t out of contention to be Millar’s partner on the Pan American team. Two of the five team-members will be chosen by a selection committee, not by their standing in the trials. “In the grand prix here”, Millar explains, referring to Saturday’s final selection trial, “we are only allowed to ride one horse each. Therefore, you consider that when planning how you use your horses throughout the week.” Millar let his talented newcomer show what he could do, while putting the pressure on 12-year-old In Style to perform through three trials, concluding with Saturday’s $200,000 grand prix. Both horses are owned by Sue Grange, of Cheltenham, Ontario.
In Style is still in the race to earn a team berth on points. Millar and In Style sit a mere 0.4 points behind Darrin Dlin. Dlin is a Canadian citizen living in Florida and making his first bid for the Canadian team. Tonight’s fourth trial brought a major shake-up in the standings, more of which is expected in Saturday’s final trial. Jill Henselwood, of Oxford Mills, Ontario has a strong hold on the lead, and on second place, with two mounts. Less than one knockdown separates Karen Cudmore, Dlin and Millar for the two remaining positions to be earned on points. Cudmore is also a U.S. resident who retains Canadian citizenship.
Millar is looking for his eighth Pan American Games berth. He is a two-time Pan American Games individual gold medalist.
You must be logged in to post a comment.