Source:  News Release

 

 

Sweet Victory for Sweetnam

(SPRUCE MEADOWS, Calgary, AB): 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.

Shane Sweetnam and Traffic Boy, winners of the Cenovus Classic Derby shake hands with John Brannan, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of Cenovus Energy. Photo Credit: Spruce Meadows Media Services.

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.”

 

Cenovus Classic Derby – Top10

 

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