Candele’s Game Ready

Calgary, AB – For Canada’s Yann Candele the second time was the charm in the Husky Energy Cup. With an international entry of 34 it was going to take more than just a fast round to win this Table A speed competition, especially with the Leopoldo Palacios (VEN) designed course.

There were 14 jumping efforts laid out over 470 metres of track that featured tight turns, long gallops and some very careful jumps. After a day of heavy rain the riders had to take chances in order to win the Husky Energy Cup.

With two mounts in the competition, Candele learned from his mistakes after his first round on Azzaro Van’t Hagenhof. “I rode another horse before,” said Candele, adding, “that helped me with my second round.”

Also pushing Candele in his second round was the list of those coming up behind him, including Nexen Cup champion Pablo Barrios (VEN) and the always speedy Leslie Howard (USA). “I was ready and I knew what I had to do,” said Candele.

The preparation paid off, as Candele and his 10 year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, Game Ready sped around the course to a time of 57.99 seconds. Even in the soggy conditions, Candele cut corners and sped around where he had to, to lay claim to the Husky Energy Cup.

Husky Energy Cup top 10 –

1. Yann Candele – CAN – Game Ready

2. Georgina Bloomberg – USA – Radio City

3. Enrique Gonzalez – MEX – Katina

4. Daniel Michan – MEX – Ragna T

5. Andres Rodriguez – VEN – Larkaramo

6. Eduardo Menezes – BRA – Obcession

7-. Sarah Ballou – USA – Absie

8. Ashlee Bond – USA – Chivas Z

9. Ben Asselin – CAN – Magic Man

10. John Perez – COL – Twister

Pablo Barrios (VEN), continues to lead in the $50,000 G&C Riders Cup, which continues through the Spruce Meadows “North American” Tournament.

The 35th Anniversary season continues tomorrow with the Scotia Bank Cup, set to begin at 6:00 pm in the Meadows On the Green Ring. The “Continental” Tournament will come to a close Sunday with the $100,000 CN Performance Grand Prix, where Canada’s Eric Lamaze is in play for a $50,000 bonus in the second leg of the CN Precision Series. Parking and admission are complimentary for the Spruce Meadows “Continental” Tournament.