SPRUCE MEADOWS--Daniel Coyle on Calippo 57 won the Cardel Holmes Cup 5*, 1.55m competition on Wednesday, Sept. 9 at the Spruce Meadows Master.

Daniel Coyle on Calippo 57 (Photo by Mike Sturk)The world’s top show jumping riders entered the International Ring for the first time today as international competition officially got underway at the Masters.

With qualification opportunities for the Grand Prix on the line throughout the week, riders are looking to put themselves in the best possible position early in the tournament.

With many of the world’s top riders competing, FEI course designer Leopoldo Palacios of Venezuela had his work cut out for him.

From a starting field of 55, 21 went clean  in the first round of the 1.55m Cup, showcasing the depth and caliber of the field assembled for this year’s ‘Masters’.

 

A SPRUCE MEADOWS veteran, and having the advantage of going late in the jump-off, Coyle, riding a relatively new mount, Calippo 57, knew exactly what it would take to get the job done.

He finished clean in 40.24 seconds to take two seconds of the then leading time of 42.25 set by Daniel Desusser of Germany on Pepita Van T Meulenhof BR.

McLain Ward on High Star Hero was third in 42.49

“I think, for me specifically, knowing Spruce Meadows is a big help," said Coyle. "Coming here as a first time, second time is challenging for the riders. Things are different here at Spruce Meadows than they are anywhere else as they should be. That's why it's called the ‘Master's’.” 

Earlier in the day, Richard Vogel of Germany on  Chember Z won the 1.50m Telus Cup.

The Telus Cup 1.50m speed class had 62 entries.

World No. 1 Vogel proved exactly why he holds the top spot in the rankings.

He delivered a blisteringly fast clear round, crossing the finish line in just 62.83 seconds, nearly two seconds faster than second place finisher Martin Fuchs of Switzerland on Falcon de Tijlia Z.

Sameh El Dahan of Egypt on WKD Aimez Moi was third, with Aaron Vale on Helios Du Moulin fourth.