Source:  News Release

 

 

Millar Drills Deep for Victory

(SPRUCE MEADOWS, Calgary, AB): Captain Canada, Ian Millar (CAN), captured the Akita Drilling Cup on the last dry day of the Spruce Meadows ‘North American’ tournament. Twenty five horse and rider combinations took to the international ring to compete for the $50, 000 dollar prize. The course designed by Werner Deeg (GER) proved to be a challenge, as only two riders made it into the jump off.

Murray Roth, Vice President Finance & Chief Financial Officer presents the winners’ trophy to Ian Millar. Photo Credit: Spruce Meadows Media Services.

Sixteen year old Caitlin Ziegler (USA) aboard her thirteen year old Belgian Warmblood, Valencia, was first to compete in the jump off. With a total of eight jumping faults, Ziegler opened the door for the timeless Ian Millar who at 64 years of age brought home the victory with a clear round.

Millar admits that he would not let a sixteen year old beat him in the jump off. Aboard the eleven year old Dutch Warmblood, Star Power, Millar was true to his word as he took home the victory.

Although Caitlin and Valencia did not take home first place, Ziegler waited in the hitching ring to pose for a photo with one of the greatest Show Jumping Athletes to show at Spruce Meadows; Ian Millar.

In front of the packed crowd of 38 965 filled the international ring, the ‘North American’ tournament proved to be a showcase of talent from all ages. Now Ian Millar plans to give his horses a physical and mental break at home in Perth Ontario, as he prepares and remains excited to return to Spruce Meadows for the ‘Masters’ this September.


For a complete tournament schedule visit the Spruce Meadows website at www.sprucemeadows.com.

Akita Drilling Cup – Top10

1-Ian Millar CAN Star Power
2-Caitlin Ziegler USA Valencia
3-Jill Henselwood CAN George
4-Jennifer Crooks IRL S.F. Tin Tin
5-McLain Ward USA Pjotter Van De Zonnehoeve
6-Richard Spooner USA Billy Bianca
7-Hannah Selleck USA Es Carando Z
8-Kent Farrington USA Valhalla
9-Mark Armstrong GBR Green Sleeps Vioco
10-Daniel Bluman COL Sancha Ls La Silla