Abdulrahman Alrajhi (KSA) Captures Prestigious $1,000,000 ATCO Queen Elizabeth II Cup at Spruce Meadows

July 05, 2026

Alrajhi sealed victory with the day's sole double-clear effort at the 'North American', presented by Rolex.


Abdulrahman Alrajhi (KSA) & Ventago win competition #641 ATCO Queen Elizabeth II Cup 1.60m
© Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk


July 4, 2026 (Spruce Meadows) - The sun was shining over Spruce Meadows on Saturday during the 'North American', presented by Rolex, setting the stage for the day's marquee event: the $1,000,000 ATCO Queen Elizabeth II Cup 1.60m.


A maximum field of 40 athletes qualified for the prestigious competition, having earned their place earlier in the week during the Jayman BUILT Cup. The lineup featured an exceptional roster of talent, including defending champion Daniel Coyle (IRL), World No. 2 Richard Vogel (GER), World No. 9 Daniel Bluman (ISR), 2026 'Continental' Grand Prix winner Katie Laurie (NZL), and RBC Grand Prix of Canada winner Mark Bluman (ISR). With so much star power assembled on the International Ring, all signs pointed to a spectacular competition.


All 40 qualified athletes took on the opening-round track, a demanding 565-metre course featuring 14 obstacles (17 efforts), all to be completed within the allotted time of 85 seconds. Designed by FEI Course Designer Santiago Varela (ESP), the first-round track tested every aspect of elite show jumping—speed, precision, and partnership.


Following the opening round, only the top 12 athletes advanced to Round 2, returning in reverse order of merit to battle for the prestigious ATCO Queen Elizabeth II Cup title.


Ventago led in by his groom, Maria Sofia Viola, was the winning horse of competition #641 ATCO Queen Elizabeth II Cup 1.60m. As the winning groom, Maria also received a brand new YETI Cooler Backpack.© Spruce Meadows Media/Tony Lewis


Only two athletes managed to produce fault-free performances in the opening round: Abdulrahman Alrajhi (KSA) aboard 13-year-old Ventago and Daniel Bluman (ISR) aboard the grey mare Corbie V.V.. As they prepared for the decisive second round, they watched a number of competitors deliver clear rounds but carry forward faults from the opening track.


Returning second-last to compete, Alrajhi once again rose to the occasion, producing the only double-clear performance of the day to secure victory in the prestigious ATCO Queen Elizabeth II Cup. Bluman, had an unfortunate rail in the second round, opening the door for defending champion Daniel Coyle (IRL) to move into second place. With the time from the first round carrying over to the second, Bluman ultimately finished third to round out the podium.


“Honestly, I think Spruce is a totally different sport here. It's not like another show, honestly. And I was very impressed from how the horses improved after Spruce, and this actually happened last year. It's definitely struggling when we come here, and I was actually complaining about how tough it could become here in Spruce. But you see the results after Spruce.” - Abdulrahman Alrajhi (KSA) on how his horses have improved since coming to Spruce Meadows.


Top 10 #641 ATCO Queen Elizabeth II Cup 1.60m
Abdulrahman Alrajhi (KSA) & Ventago
Daniel Coyle (IRL) & Farrel
Daniel Bluman (ISR) & Corbie V.V.
Kyle King (CAN) & Kayenne Z
Lillie Keenan (USA) & Kick On
Robert Whitaker (GBR) & Equine America Vermento
Hallie Grimes (USA) & Jon Snow
Richard Vogel (GER) & Gangster Montdesir
Arturo Parada Vallejo (MEX) Laretto
McLain Ward (USA) & Lestro VD Valckenborg
Full Results from #638 ATCO Queen Elizabeth II Cup 1.60m


Daniel Coyle (IRL) & Farrel placed second in competition #641 ATCO Queen Elizabeth II Cup 1.60m
© Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk
Daniel Bluman (ISR) & Corbie V.V. placed third in competition #641 ATCO Queen Elizabeth II Cup 1.60m
© Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk



 From the Winner’s Circle
Donald Whitaker (GBR) & Costaketta PS win #632 Moore Equine Cup 1.40m
© Spruce Meadows Media/Mark Spowart
Richard Vogel (GER) & Diatasio win #628 Friends of the Meadows Jumper 1.40m
© Spruce Meadows Media/Mark Spowart
Bretton Chad (CAN) & Full Star Du Park win #616 Friends of the Meadows Jumper 1.30m
© Spruce Meadows Media/Bart Onyszko
Nyah Chernoff (CAN) & Check Me win #604 Friends of the Meadows Jumper 1.10m
© Spruce Meadows Media/Tony Lewis
Samia Staehle (USA) & Foxtrot Semilly win #608 Friends of the Meadows Jumper 1.20m
© Spruce Meadows Media/Tony Lewis
Emily Moffatt (CAN) & Humosa win #612 Friends of the Meadows Jumper 1.20m Jr/Am
© Spruce Meadows Media/Tony Lewis


FAULTLESS takes viewers inside the world of elite show jumping, following the sport's top athletes, extraordinary horses, and the unforgettable moments that define competition at the highest level.


Narrated by three-time Emmy nominee Walton Goggins (Fallout, The White Lotus) and produced in partnership with Rolex, the six-part documentary series travels across Europe and North America, featuring the world's most prestigious events, including the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.


Go beyond the arena and discover the dedication, resilience, partnership, and passion required to compete on the world's biggest stages.


📺 Streaming on The Roku Channel in the U.S. and Canada
Learn More and Stream Summer is HERE at Spruce Meadows!
Discover what the FINAL DAY of the Spruce Meadows 'North American' Tournament has to offer.


© Spruce Meadows Media/Bart Onyszko
TOMORROW, the grounds continue to flourish with world-class show jumping, live music, family fun, and a few surprises you won't want to miss. Whether you're coming for the sport, the live music, or just the corgi races, there's a reason to show up every single day. Here's everything happening:


FINAL DAY!
🏆 The 'North American', presented by Rolex
World-class show jumping
Feu de Joie ceremony & SkyHawks Parachute Drop
Corgi and dachshund races
New MARVEL x Spruce Meadows comic cover
Live music, shopping, food, and family fun
NEW! The Sheepherding Classic
NEW! Celtic Festival


There's something happening every day at Spruce Meadows this summer—we can't wait to see you!


Full Press Release