Grand Prix Day at the 'Continental' CSI5*/2*, presented by Rolex
September 04, 2022
Paul O'Shea (IRL) & Matthew Sampson (GBR) tie for first in the Friends of the Meadows Grand Prix, presented by Rolex
© Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk
Paul O'Shea (IRL) & Matthew Sampson (GBR) Share the Win in the Friends of the Meadows Grand Prix, presented by Rolex
Spruce Meadows (September 4, 2022) - Today marked the final day of the Spruce Meadows 'Continental' CSI5*/2*, presented by Rolex. Throughout the week riders qualified for the final event, the Friends of the Meadows Grand Prix, presented by Rolex. Twenty horse/rider combinations representing 8 nations tackled the track set out by FEI Course Designer Anthony d'Ambrosio (USA). Each hoping to pass all the tests and qualify for the jump off.
Seven of the athletes made it to the jump off including 2022 Spruce Meadows Summer Series Grand Prix winners Paul O'Shea (IRL) and Matthew Sampson (GBR). O'Shea riding his 2022 ATCO Queen Elizabeth II Grand Prix winning mount, Imerald Van't Voorhof, laid down the quick clear ride in the jump off with a time of 38.00s. Sampson knew the time to beat but today, aboard the grey mare Ebolensky, could only catch O'Shea, not beat him. The duo posted the exact same time of 38.00s flat in the jump off and for the first time in Spruce Meadows history, there would be two winners of a 5* Grand Prix.
"We love Spruce Meadows, to be able to jump in the big grass fields before next week ('Masters' CSIO5*) and have this result - it builds confidence" - Matthew Sampson (GBR) on his win today and heading into the 'Masters' CSIO5*.
"This is a big Grand Prix in itself, I'm very happy to be here and have this opportunity ahead of next week" - Paul O'Shea (IRL) on his shared win in the Friends of the Meadows Grand Prix, presented by Rolex.
Friends of the Meadows CSI2* Grand Prix - Matthew Sampson (GBR) & Curraghgraigue Obos Flight
© Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk
Matthew Sampson (GBR) & Curraghgraigue Obos Flight Win the Friends of the Meadows CSI2* Grand Prix
The first competition on the North American Ring was the Friends of the Meadows CSI2* Grand Prix 1.45m. Eight athletes representing five nations passed the first round tests with flying colours and proceeded to the jump off.
Matthew Sampson of Great Britain has been one to watch all year at Spruce Meadows. Aboard Curraghgraigue Obos Flight, the pair laid down an incredibly quick clean round in the jump off in a time of 38 seconds flat. Current world #10 ranked rider Kent Farrington (USA) riding Electrique came close, posting a clear round in a time of 38.34s and finishing in second place. This marks Sampson's fifth 2022 Spruce Meadows season win with Curraghgraigue Obos Flight.
More of Today's Winners
#713 Jessi Prpich & Kazou van de Kwakklhoek win the Friends of the Meadows 1.30m
© Spruce Meadows Media/Jack Cusano
Paul O'Shea (IRL) & Imerald Van't Voorhof tie for first in the Friends of the Meadows Grand Prix, presented by Rolex
© Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk
Matthew Sampson (GBR) & Ebolensky tie for first in the Friends of the Meadows Grand Prix, presented by Rolex
© Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk
A young fan is inspired during the Spruce Meadows 'Continental' CSI5*/2*, presented by Rolex
© Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk
The Spruce Meadows 'Masters' CSIO5*/3* starts next Wednesday and runs thru until Sunday, September 11, 2022. Come watch some of the best show jumping athletes from around the world compete to have their name etched in history at the Spruce Meadows 'Masters'. Click HERE for more information and to purchase tickets.
For more information, please contact us at 403-974-4596 or media.services@sprucemeadows.com
