COLLINGWOOD, ONTARIO The 2007 Canadian show jumping circuit is turning out to be the summer of the Millars. The two younger members of “Team Millar” were the most dominant riders during six weeks of jumping in Quebec in July. Now, with “Captain Canada”, Ian Millar, back from the Pan American Games, he’s finding his own son and daughter are the ones to beat. In today’s $50,000 Miele Grand Prix in Collingwood, Ontario it was 32-year-old Amy Millar that 60-year-old Ian Millar had to race against the clock to win. He did it, stopping the clock at 38.597. Amy had earlier set the time-to-beat at 39.231. The senior member of “Team Millar” was riding Redefin. Amy was aboard Costa Rica Z.
Adding to the Millar domination, Amy qualified two mounts for the jump-off and took fourth place with her newest mount, Piccobello. Only Marie Hecart, of France, was able to prevent a Millar sweep of the top three. Hecart is spending time in Canada training at Eric Lamaze’s stable, and rode Tyra to a clean jump-off in 39.694.
Jonathon Millar, who boldly relegated his father to second-place to win the $10,000 Open Jumper Welcome Stake on Thursday was not left out today. He qualified Chianto for the jump-off but knocked one rail down to finish 9th.
“You have to go for the win every time”, Millar said, “even if it means beating your own daughter. Every rider is working for the owner of the horse and has a job to do for them.”
The Collingwood tournament is Millar’s first competition since winning a team silver medal and finishing fourth individually at the Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro. Redefin is one of two Olympic hopeful mounts he is preparing for next year.
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