Martin Fuchs (SUI) captures the $3,000,000 CPKC ‘International’, presented by Rolex - part of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping

^{Martin Fuchs (SUI) captures the 2023 CPKC ‘International’, presented by Rolex © Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk}

Martin Fuchs (SUI) captures the $3,000,000 CPKC ‘International’, presented by Rolex - part of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping

September 10, 2023 (Spruce Meadows) - The Spruce Meadows grounds were full and the International Ring packed with fans for the feature afternoon event, the CPKC ‘International’, presented by Rolex - part of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.

This $3,000,000 Two-Round Grand Prix is one of the richest in the world and featured some of the top international riders from around the world. Following the completion of the first round of competition, the top twelve riders from round one then return for round two in reverse order of merit - their first and second round scores added together to determine final placings. If there is a tie for faults after two rounds of competition, a jump off is required to determine the winner.

Today’s course was designed by FEI Level 4 Course Designer Leopoldo Palacios (VEN) and with his team; Anthony d’Ambrosio (USA), Peter Grant (CAN), Joey Rycroft (CAN), Florencio Hernández (MEX), Will Dean-Stobie (CAN), Jedd Smith (CAN) & Peter Wong (MYS), who have been assisting all week, designed the tracks with multiple tests for both horse and rider.

^{Tiffany Foster (CAN) placed second in the CPKC ‘International’, presented by Rolex © Spruce Meadows Media/Dave Chidley}

After the first round of competition, 5 horse/rider combinations were clear with the twelfth spot being held down Jorne Sprehe (GER) who had four faults and a time of 73.57s. The second round of competition consisted of twelve obstacles (15 jumping efforts) that spanned 510m and had to be completed in 77 seconds of less.

There was a hush over the stadium for each rider, and after the second round we had two double clears - there would be a jump off between Canada’s Tiffany Foster and Switzerland’s Martin Fuchs.

^{Final fence celebration © Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk}

Foster was first into the ring and had an unfortunate rail in the combination so all Fuchs had to do was go clear. He’s ranked number 5th in the world for a reason, thousands were silent as Fuchs entered the ring on his great, grey gelding Leone Jei and he took each jump one at a time.

Leone cleared the final fence with ease and Fuchs new he had won with a memorable mid-air celebration. Martin Fuchs was the 2023 winner of the CPKC ‘International’, presented by Rolex and the new live contender in the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.

“It's really one of my biggest dreams to win here in Spruce Meadows. My father was here plenty of times. He was here quite a few times and well placed in the Grand Prix, but he never managed to win. And he said, this is the best show in the world and this is where you have to win. And he pushed me to to win one day here and today is just wonderful” - Martin Fuchs (SUI) on his dream of winning the CPKC ‘International’, presented by Rolex - part of the Folex Grand Slam of Show Jumping

^{Martin Fuchs (SUI) was all smiles © Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk}

Through their Spruce Meadows sponsorship, CPKC also shines a spotlight on local heart charities that make a big impact in their communities. CPKC has helped raise over $36 million to improve the heart health of adults and children of North America. During the CPKC ‘International’, for every clear round (including those with only time faults) on course, CPKC donates $10,000 to heart health.

This year, thanks to our great show jumping athletes, CPKC will be donating $90,000 to heart health through their contributions to research, equipment, cardiac care, and prevention.

^{CPKC Has Heart © Spruce Meadows Media/Jack Cusano}

^{Conor Swail (IRL) & Gamble © Spruce Meadows Media/Dave Chidley}

Conor Swail (IRL) wins the Enbridge Cup (1.50m)

The final day of the 2023 Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ saw fans coming through the gates bright and early to get their spot around the International Ring to watch some of the best show jumping in the world. Competitions began on the International Ring with the Enbridge Cup (1.50m).

The track featured 13 obstacles (16 jumping efforts) that had to be completed   and cleared in a time of 84 second to qualify for the jump off. It was challenging track but five riders passed the test and advanced to the jump off.

^{Conor Swail (IRL) & Gamble, winners of the 2023 Enbridge Cup © Spruce Meadows Media/Jack Cusano}

The Irish have been on a roll, and today was no exception. Spruce Meadows veteran Conor Swail (IRL), who’s Irish Team won yesterday’s BMO Nations’ Cup, pulled out all the stops aboard Gamble to take the victory. The pair jumped double clear with the fastest jump off time, crossing the finish line in a time of 45.03s.

^{Jonathan Field bring Off We Go to the International Ring for the Celebration of the Horse © Spruce Meadows Media/Bart Onyszko}

Celebrating the Horse

Today Spruce Meadows took a moment to reflect on the magnificent animal that is the horse. On the International Ring, Pia Fortmüller (CAN) put on a spectacular dressage performance followed by a demonstration of masterful horsemanship by Jonathan Field.

Over 50 horses of all shapes and sizes then made their way into the ring so we could pay tribute to them and all they’ve done for Spruce Meadows.

CAVALCADE OF THE HORSE

THIS CALACADE OF GRACE NOW STANDS
IT SPEAKS IN SILENCE.
ITS STORY IS THIS LAND.
WHERE IN THIS WORLD CAN MAN FIND NOBILITY WITHOUT PRIDE,
FRIENDSHIP WITHOUT ENVY, OR BEAUTY WITHOUT VANITY?
HERE, WHERE GRACE IS LACED WITH MUSCLE AND STRENGTH BY GENTLENESS CONFINED.
HE SERVES WITHOUT SERVILITY; HE HAS FOUGHT WITHOUT EMNITY.
THERE IS NOTHING SO POWERFUL, NOTHING LESS VIOLENT.
THERE IS NOTHING SO QUICK, NOTHING MORE PATIENT.
OUR COLLECTIVE PASTS HAVE BEEN BORN ON HIS BACK.
ALL OUR HISTORY IS HIS INDUSTRY.
WE ARE HIS HEIRS, HE OUR INHERITANCE.
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN…..THE HORSE!

^{Pia Fortmuller (CAN) puts on a dressage demonstration as part of the Celebration of the Horse © Spruce Meadows Media/Bart Onyszko}

^{Congratulations to Matthew Randles (ENG) on winning the Blacksmith World Championships at the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ © Spruce Meadows Media/Bart Onyszko}

The 2023 Blacksmith World Championship at the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’

After a whole week of competition at Spruce Meadows for the Blacksmith World Championship the final rounds of competition were held this morning. Today Matthew Randles (ENG) crowned the winner and presented with a cheque for $75,000.

More Photos from Today

^{RCMP Calgary Division Veteran’s Association bestows the title of Honourary RCMP Veteran Designations to Marg Southern, Nancy Southern and Linda Southern-Heathcott © Spruce Meadows Media/Bart Onyszko}

^{#JumpIntoHistory © Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk}

^{The Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) © Spruce Meadows Media/Bart Onyszko}

^{Celebration over the final fence by Martin Fuchs (SUI) © Spruce Meadows Media/Dave Chidley}

^{Contendros 2 was not a fan of the flowers during the presentations ceremony © Spruce Meadows Media/Dave Chidley}

^{Corgi racing was in full swing © Spruce Meadows Media/Jack Cusano}

^{Next leg of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping is CHI Geneva © Spruce Meadows Media/Tony Lewis}

^{The competition was on fire during the World Blacksmith Championships © Spruce Meadows Media/Tony Lewis}

^{Martin Fuchs (SUI) celebrates a big victory! © Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk}

^{An unfortunate rail for Amy Millar at the CPKC planks  © Spruce Meadows Media/Tony Lewis}

^{Bertram Allen (IRL) rounded out the podium placings of the Grand Prix © Spruce Meadows Media/Tony Lewis}