Source:  News Release

Pratt Stays Ahead of Pack in Husky Energy Cup

(SPRUCE MEADOWS, Calgary, AB): Twenty six horse/rider combinations took to the Meadows on the Green at Spruce Meadows last night for the opening international challenge of the Spruce Meadows “Continental” Tournament, the Husky Energy Cup. 2012 Olympic Summer Games course designer Bob Ellis (GBR) set a 580 meter test that ten combinations were able to jump clear to advance to the jump off. Although the conditions were cool and damp the course jumped very well and the footing was excellent.

The jump off featured a mix of the sport’s biggest stars, seasoned veterans, and newer faces to the international stage. In the end there were just two that managed to post double clear rounds, with Canadian veteran Chris Pratt just edging two time Olympic Gold medalist Beezie Madden (USA) for the title in the Husky Energy Cup.

“My horse was very solid tonight,” commented Pratt following the victory. “I knew my time could possibly be beat but you also had to be careful and manage the course. It’s never easy waiting for Beezie to go.”

Pratt’s wait was extended when Madden’s mount threw a shoe during her final warm up fence and had to pay a quick visit to the farrier. In the end the new footwear made no difference and Pratt’s margin of victory was 7/10 of a second.

Action continues tomorrow at the Spruce Meadows “Continental”, the second event in the Spruce Meadows Summer Series. Competition will build towards the tournament’s culminating event, the CN Performance World Cup Grand Prix on Sunday afternoon. The event is the second leg in the $1 million CN Precision Series.

Husky Energy Cup Top 10
1 Chris Pratt CAN Cruise
2 Beezie Madden USA Coral Reef Via Volo
3 McLain Ward USA Coco135
4 Richard Spooner USA Billy Bianca
5 Mario Deslauriers USA Cella
6 Kent Farrington USA Valhalla
7 John Pearce CAN Son of a Gun
8 Angela Covert CAN Utan
9 Lauren Tisbo USA Crème Brule
10 Daniel Bluman COL Fatalis Fatum