Adrienne Sternlicht of USA riding Faquitol-S Win Day One
June 14, 2023
Adrienne Sternlicht (USA) & Faquitol-S © Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk
Adrienne Sternlicht (USA) Wins the Recon Metal Cup 1.50m
June 14, 2023 (Spruce Meadows) - The Recon Metal Cup 1.50m was the first competition of the week that rider’s could qualify for the weekend’s RBC Grand Prix of Canada, presented by Rolex.
The track featured 11 obstacles (13 jumping efforts) that had to be jumped clear and completed in 71 seconds or less in order to claim a clear round.
Spruce Meadows veteran Kent Farrington (USA) riding the quick chestnut Creedance held down first place almost through the competition. The pair had posted a clear ride with a time of 64.54s that seemed to be untouchable.
Adrienne Sternlicht (USA) had gained some confidence aboard Faquitol-S in the previous week of competition and knew she could take advantage of the gelding’s large stride. Sternlicht crossed the finish line clear in a time of 62.90s.
“It’s just the most wonderful feeling walking into the ring. Last week gave me a lot of confidence that this horse can be competitive.” - Andrenne Sternlicht on returning to Spruce Meadows for the 2023 season.
Sternlicht now looks to save Faquitol-S for the RBC Grand Prix of Canada, presented by Rolex on Saturday.
Sameh El Dahan (GBR) & WKD Toronto © Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk
A First and Third for Sameh El Dahan (GBR)
The Township Planning & Design Cup 1.45m was the first competition on the International Ring of the 2023 Spruce Meadows season. Thirty-five horse/rider combinations took on the track designed by FEI Course Designer Olaf Petersen Jr. (GER) that featured 10 obstacles (12 jumping efforts) that had to be completed in a time of 66 seconds or less.
With less than 10 horses left to go, the lead was held by Ireland’s Robert Blanchette and Chardonnay. The pair had put in a very quick, clean ride with a time of 60.54s that seemed to be untouchable.
One of the last few riders to go was Sameh el Dahan (GBR) with his second horse of the competition, WKD Toronto. Having ridden the course once already with WKD Balou Breeze, el Dahan knew what to expect. Aboard WKD Toronto, he posted the fastest clear round with a time of 60.41s. He would also finish in third place with WKD Balou Breeze.
“The footing is great and the horses really love it here (Spruce MeadowS). I went fast with both horses and didn’t slip once which just shows how good it (the footing) is.” Sameh El Dahan on his day one victory at Spruce Meadows.
Best of the Rest - Today’s Winners
The Entourage 1.45m - North American Ring
Maddison Stephen (AUS) & Yalambis Ikon
© Spruce Meadows Media/Jack Cusano
Friends of the Meadows 1.40m - North American Ring
Francisco Lomelin (MEX) & Demosthenes
© Spruce Meadows Media/Jack Cusano
Friends of the Meadows 1.10m - Chinook Ring
Katherine Kana (CAN) & Caviar of Picobello Z
© Spruce Meadows Media/Bart Onyszko
Friends of the Meadows 1.20m - Chinook Ring
Samuel Watson (AUS) & Oaks Donatello
© Spruce Meadows Media/Bart Onyszko
Mission: Possible 1.30m - Chinook Ring
Daniel Coyle (IRL) & Langley
© Spruce Meadows Media/Bart Onyszko
