'National' - Day 5
June 16, 2024
Matthew Sampson Wins The ATB Cup
Exciting Wrap To The ‘National’, Presented by Rolex
Hat’s A Wrap: Matthew Sampson (GBR) wins the ATB Cup with One Whisper, the final event of the ‘National,’ presented by Rolex. Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk
**Scroll down to see photos of our fantastic weekend fun**
June 16, 2024
June 16, 2024 (Spruce Meadows) — Spruce Meadows veteran Matthew Sampson came first in today’s ATB Cup, the final competition of this week’s ‘National’, presented by Rolex.
Britain’s Sampson, with One Whisper, beat 34 other starting riders, and five jump-off rivals, to take the top spot in the exciting 1.50m contest.
Speaking after the event, Sampson said: “To be honest, I’ve been a bit slow this week, I’ve been fourth twice, and the horses were jumping great. I just wanted to try and go as fast as I could.
“Take a bit of risk. Luckily, it paid off.
And while it was victory for Britain, Sampson sang the praises of the current crop of Canadian show jumping athletes, ahead of an imminent announcement on the four-rider team our nation will be sending to the Paris Olympics next month.
“I think Canada has a great team,” said Sampson. “Most of the big classes here have been won by Canadians. I always think, if I try to win, and I get beat by someone from here, it’s a bit easier to take.
“I think Canada have a very strong chance at the Olympics.”
In this afternoon’s ATB Cup, Katie Laurie, of Australia, came second with Django II. Third place went to Canada’s Sean Jobin, on Coquelicot VH Huevelland Z.
For complete results from today visit: sprucemeadows.com/live/
All Smiles: McKayla Langmeier (USA) and Chadina. Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk
At Lang Last, A Win For McKayla
A smiling McKayla Langmeier rode to victory in today’s ATCO Cup 1.45m competition.
The American rider, with 11-year-old Chadina, trounced ten other riders in the jump-off, emerging from a starting class of 33 riders on one of the tournament’s final courses set by German designer Olaf Petersen Jr.
Langmeier was followed by Daniel Coyle (IRL), with Jasper, in second.
Calgary’s Kyle Timm, who could soon be named as one of the Team Canada equestrians heading to the Paris Olympics, came third, aboard Atomica Des Sequoias Z.
For complete results from today visit: sprucemeadows.com/live/
Gorgeous George: Hometown boy Canyon, who lives south of Calgary, puts on a show.
Spruce Meadows Media/Tony Lewis
A Downpour of Fun…
A wet but wonderful weekend brought the ‘National’, presented by Rolex, to a close.
In addition to the world-class show jumping, this week was jam-packed with fun and entertainment for families, with highlights including a fantastic concert on our brand-new stage, loads of fun activities for the kids, and southern Alberta firefighters vying for a chance to represent Canada in the FireFit World Championships later this year.
In just two-and-a-half weeks we will be set for round two, when the ‘North American’ kicks off on July 3.
Scroll down for a selection of great pics from this weekend. Click HERE to use these press photos for free, or contact media coordinator Jennifer Wiley for access to images from our enormous galleries featuring the week’s tournament and festivities.
Singin’ In The Rain: Jess Moskaluke and Steven Lee Olsen christen our brand-new stage.
Spruce Meadows Media/Dave Chidley
Roaring In: The Lord Strathcona’s Horse mounted troop amidst stormy skies.
Spruce Meadows Media/Tony Lewis
Fighting Fit: A FireFit competitor hauls a ‘victim’ to safety.
Spruce Meadows Media/Bart Onyszko
Hair We Go: The Spruce Meadows Miniatures animals make their debut.
Spruce Meadows Media/Tony Lewis
A Dream Come True: We helped 78-year-old Dorothy King, from Halifax, fulfill a lifelong wish to visit Spruce Meadows and meet some of Canada’s top show jumpers. She was joined by daughter-in-law Jennifer King. “This is the best weekend of my life!” a delighted Dorothy told us.
Spruce Meadows Media/Tony Lewis
A Day for Dads: A family enjoy the Father’s Day fun.
Spruce Meadows Media/Dave Chidley
See You Next Time: Join us from July 3-7 at the ‘North American’.
Spruce Meadows Media/Tony Lewis
