Source:  News Release

 

 

Red White and Blue Stars Shine

(SPRUCE MEADOWS, Calgary, AB): American stars Rich Fellars and Mario Deslauriers dominated opening day at the Spruce Meadows “North American” with wins in the three international division events.

In the Suncast Cup, 1.45m event, Fellars teamed up with his 16 year old Irish bred gelding to win the speed event with the fastest clear in a staggering 65 horse entry. “When you know this ring as well as we do, some great things can happen”, commented Fellers after mastering the 480m Werner Deeg (GER) course that allowed for just seven clear rounds. “It’s a good way to start and it’s nice when a plan comes together,” he added. The Bantrel Cup was the opening day 1.50m event and Mario Deslauriers was among 12 that advanced to the jump off from the 37 starters. Deslauriers, riding the 13 year old gelding Vicomte D, was the penultimate to go in the jump off and knew the final rider, Eric Lamaze with Sidoline, would press.

Mario Deslauriers, Winner of the Bantrel Cup. Photo credit: Spruce Meadows Media Services

“I really had to have a lot of pace from the start. My horse is big and naturally fast so it worked out very well. I knew it would be tough for Eric to catch up,” he said reflecting on the win. This was really tough. Just look at the riders and horses on the line. They are the very best.”

While Deslauriers was fast in the Bantrel Cup jump off, Rich Fellers laid down one for the ages in the Sun Life Financial Reach for the Sun. After the first round entry of 20 starters was weeded down to a select 6 horse jump off, Fellers lead of with his Irish stallion Flexible and put in a flawless and spectacularly fast round. “No one’s going to beat that,” commented Eric Lamaze (CAN) on Fellers’ round. When one considers that Lamaze was joined by the likes of Richard Spooner (USA), Beezie Madden (USA) and Kent Farrington (USA), all recognized as “speed demons”, it really confirms the pace and performance posted by Fellers.

Paul Boundy, Vice President, Business Development, Sun Life Financial, presents the winner’s trophy to Rich Fellers. Photo Credit: Spruce Meadows Media Services

“Even for me it felt fast,” said Fellers. “Flexible is small but quick and the course played into our hands. We love this ring. Going first I knew I had to get a good lick in and open the throttle. It feels great!” said Fellars after taking the early lead in the Spruce Meadows North American Championship.

Action on the International Ring continues tomorrow evening with AON Cup and the $35,000 D-Line Construction Cup


Sun Life Financial “Reach For the Sun” – Top 10

1-Rich Fellers USA Flexible
2-Kent Farrington USA Uceko
3-Shane Sweeetnam IRL Traffic Boy
4-Eric Lamaze CAN Hickstead
5-Richard Spooner USA Cristallo
6-Beezie Madden USA Coral Reef Via Volo
7-Daniel Bluman COL Fatalis Fatum
8-Kirsten Coe USA Tristan
9-Mark Watring USA Green Sleeps Vioco
10-Lauren Tisbo USA Crème Brule

Bantrel Cup – Top 10

1-Mario Deslauriers USA Vicomte D
2-Eric Lamaze CAN Sidoline Van De Centaur
3-Beezie Madden USA Cortes C
4-Richard Spooner USA Apache
5-McLain Ward USA Pjotter Van De Zonnehoeve
6-Eric Lamaze CAN Coriana Van Klapscheut
7-Caitlin Ziegler USA VDL Groep Camara
8-Jonathon Asselin CAN Showgirl
9-Cara Anthony USA Woodpecker De Villars
10-Katie Monahan-Prudent USA Sassicaia II


Suncast Cup - Top 10

1-Rich Fellers USA McGuinness
2-Ellen Whitaker GBR Arena UK Lando
3-Kent Farrington USA Valhalla
4-Daniel Bluman COL Sancha LS La Silla
5-Michael Whitaker GBR Wild Rose
6-Beezie Madden USA Danny Boy
7-Eduardo Menezes BRA Tomba
8-Jennifer Crooks IRL S.F. Tin Tin
9-Kirsten Coe USA Baronez
10-Molly Graham CAN Powerscourt