(SPRUCE MEADOWS, Calgary, AB): Families from all walks of life came out to Spruce Meadows on Friday to enjoy Presidents Choice Hot Dogs, Pepsi, and International-level sport on day three of the 2012 Spruce Meadows ‘North American’ Tournament.
Kent Farrington (USA) aboard Venus, champions of the Pepsi Challenge. (Photo Credit by Spruce Meadows Media Services)
Although the Olympics aren’t on his mind, Kent Farrington (USA) continues to be a dominate force in the International Ring at Spruce Meadows. Farrington added the Pepsi Challenge to his six other FEI victories at Spruce Meadows this season alone. Farrington and his mount, the 10 year old Dutch Warmblood mare, Venus, came up against 56 other horse/rider combinations over the course designed by Michel Villancourt (CAN). The course, with 510 meters of track and 16 jumping efforts, saw 12 combinations move through to the jump off, and Farrington emerging victorious.
With the sun still shining on the International Ring, the Lafarge Cup got underway with 24 qualified horse/rider combinations competing over the Michel Villancourt (CAN) course, with 15 jumping obstacles stretched over 530 meters. Three time Olympian Beezie Madden (USA) had no troubles on course, and took home the first place aboard Mademoiselle, her 15 year old Holstein mare. This win bolsters Madden’s confidence in more ways than one. The multiple Olympic Gold Medallist has been named to the 2012 US Olympic team headed for London in less than a month, and Madden says that Spruce Meadows is the perfect venue to prepare for the upcoming challenge. “It’s excellent having all of the team right here, we’re all able to help each other out, keep everyone in top form.” said Madden. This isn’t the only time the Olympian has been in the winner’s circle this summer- Madden has already won two other FEI competitions at Spruce Meadows in the past four weeks. “It’s been a great week here for me.” She commented after her win. Madden is busy preparing for tomorrow’s ATCO Power Queen Elizabeth II Cup. “A win like this really helps your confidence going into a competition like the Queen’s Cup.”
Long live the Queen! Spruce Meadows invites everyone to celebrate Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee tomorrow, with a complimentary brunch in the Meadowgreen building from 10:30-12:30AM. In celebration of Queen Elizabeth II’s visit to Spruce Meadows in 1990, the $200,000 ATCO Power Queen Elizabeth II Cup will be held in the International Ring at 2:15PM, featuring the “Feu de Joie” and several distinguished guests.
Pepsi Challenge – Top Ten
1- Kent Farrington USA Venus
2- Eric Lamaze CAN Wang Chung M25
3- Nayel Nassar EGY Lordan
4- Lauren Crooks USA Dancer
5- Andres Rodriguez VEN Caballito
6- Yann Candele CAN Game Ready
7- Mario Deslauriers USA Ardeche Van De Zelm
8- Mario Deslauriers USA Whistler
9- Reed Kessler USA Cylana
10- McLain Ward USA Zander
Bob Cooper, President Cement, Western Canada Lafarge presenting the winner’s trophy to Beezie Madden (USA) aboard Mademoiselle. (Photo by Spruce Meadows Media Services)
Lafarge Cup Winning Round – Top Ten
1- Beezie Madden USA Mademoiselle
2- Shane Sweetnam IRL Diktator Van De Boslandhoeve
3- Beezie Madden USA Amadora
4- Kent Farrington USA Voyeur
5- McLain Ward USA Pjotter Van De Zonnehoeve
6- Mario Deslauriers USA Vicompte D
7- John Perez COL Utopia
8- Alec Lawler USA Glen Devon
9- Ben Asselin CAN Rush
10- Mac Cone CAN Amor Van De Rostal
