The final event of the Spruce Meadows North American tournament, the Cenovus Classic, saw 18 horse and rider combinations tackle the historic course originally designed by Pamela Carruthers (GRB) in 1985. A crowd of 38, 915 watched as Shane Sweetnam (IRL) rode to victory aboard his 10 year old Swedish Warmblood stallion, Traffic Boy.
“When I woke up this morning, I never imagined I would be here” commented Sweetnam in the winner’s circle.
The Irish native made history today, posting a clear round, the 14th in the history of the event. Sweetnam was only 5th to go, putting the pressure on the other 13 riders to go. Richard Spooner of the United States came close to pushing a jump off, but took the rail on top of the notorious 5 meter bank. The same held true for Michael Whitaker (GRB) who was clear until the last jump of the Devil’s Dyke.
It was a sweet victory for Sweetnam. “I grew up watching the Spruce Meadows Derbys on the television when I was younger, and to win one now is a dream come true.”
For a complete tournament schedule visit the Spruce Meadows website at http://www.sprucemeadows.com/.
Cenovus Classic Derby – Top 10
1. Shane Sweetnam, IRL, Traffic Boy
2. Richard Spooner, USA, Cristallo
3. Michael Whitaker, GBR, Viking
4. Ellen Whitaker, GBR, Equimax Ocolado
5. Eric Lamaze, CAN, Atlete Van T Heike
6. Leslie Howard, USA, Lennox Lewis 2
7. Richard Spooner, USA, Apache
8. Paulo Santana, BRA, Taloubet
9. Lauren Tisbo, USA, Crème Brule
10. Mario Deslauriers, USA, Vicomte D
More from Horse Sport:
