What a promising start to the Spruce Meadows 'Masters'. In one of the most prestigious competitions, the CANA Cup that is endowed with 125,000 Canadian Dollars, the big names all finished under the top rankings on Thursday evening. Penelope Leprevost from France, who had saddled "Dame Blanche van Arenberg", rode to victory proving that she is in good form for the Grand Prix (CN International presented by Rolex) on Sunday. In addition to Leprevost, Canada’s hopeful candidate Eric Lamaze, the new leader in the world rankings Ben Maher from Great Britain, the US-American rider Beezie Madden and the Swiss Olympic gold medallist, Steve Guerdat all reached the jump-off.
The elated winner, who is competing at the Spruce Meadows 'Masters' for the first time, was very impressed by the second venue of the Rolex Grand Slam: "I had heard a lot about the show beforehand, but it is simply an incredible feeling to actually compete here." She was not surprised that "Dame Blanche" performed so well in the atmosphere of this exceptionally large arena: "Dame Blanche" also competed at the CHIO in Aachen this year, where she also jumped extremely well."
A number of the international top riders are hoping to win the Grand Prix on Sunday and thus also claim a victory in the Rolex Grand Slam. Quite a few of them have already taken a good look at the Rolex Grand Slam trophy, which is on display in its own room on the rear side of the stands.
