Hot Spot: Thousands of delighted fans soak up the sun at Spruce Meadows today.

Spruce Meadows Media/Jeff McIntosh

Germany Reigns Supreme In Exciting BMO Nations’ Cup

And sunny skies for Suncor Winning Round on eve of $3 million CPKC International, presented by Rolex

Spruce Meadows Media/Bart O

World Class: Team Germany celebrate after claiming the BMO Nations’ Cup.

Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk

Sept 07, 2024

Sept. 07, 2024 (Spruce Meadows) — Team Germany ruled the ring this afternoon, beating six other countries to win the BMO Nations’ Cup 1.60m.

Their squad — André Thieme, Joerne Sprehe, Daniel Deusser and Jana Wargers —  beat teams built from some of the best riders of Canada, Spain, Switzerland, France, Ireland and Great Britain.

Lead by Chef d’Equipe Otto Becker, the Germans rode on champion steeds Paule S, (Thieme), Toys (Sprehe), Gangster V/H Noddevelt (Deusser) and Dorette Old (Wargers).

“I feel great, I’m very proud of this team,” Becker told the Spruce Meadows Media press conference following the event. “In the end, it was teamwork. Teamwork makes the dream work.”

They conquered the 12-jump, 14-effort course designed by charming Venezuelan course designer Leopoldo Palacios, with the teams from Ireland and Great Britain coming second and third respectively.

Thieme, the current Rolex Grand Slam Contender following his recent win in Aachen, Germany, in July, also told how he was determined but worried going into tomorrow’s CPKC ‘International’, presented by Rolex.

“I’m a very happy person today,” said Thieme, who opted to give champion horse DSP Chakaria the day off in preparation for tomorrow. “But I am a little worried about tomorrow. I tried to make the best plan, to give Chakaria a perfect day tomorrow, but there is something inside me telling me that she’s being just a touch too careful here.

“But it is what it is. I have to trust her now. She is always brave.

“Sometimes you have to take a little risk to win.”

Earlier in the day, British besties Matthew Sampson and Donald Whitaker came second and third in the Suncor Winning Round after being pipped by Germany’s Daniel Deusser, in his first win of the day, claiming top spot with stallion Bingo STE Hermelle.

Sampson was riding gelding Fabrice DN while Whitaker was on mare Ulania 3.

They beat a starting lineup of 28 horse-rider pairings, topping a ten-horse jump-off, on Palacios’ course, featuring 12 jumps and 15 efforts.

A Deuce For Deusser: Daniel Deusser (GER) throws his hands in the air after riding stallion Bingo STE Hermelle to victory in the Suncor Winning Round.

Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk

Doing our Brit to recognize a special alliance

Lt.-Gov. Salma Lakhani is welcomed to British Day, which we celebrate every year on the Saturday of the ‘Masters’.

Spruce Meadows Media: Dave Chidley

Spruce Meadows shines as thousands of fans hit the grounds for food, photos and family fun on day four of the ‘Masters’

Here is a small taste of the hundreds of gorgeous snaps our talented photographers have taken during the tournament — all FREE for media use:

Warm Reception: Canada’s Erynn Ballard works in the warmth.
“Eighty per cent of the time I’m on my phone I’m watching other riders,” Ballard told our photographer.

Spruce Meadows Media/Dave Chidley

Pure Joy: A happy boy enjoys a delicious ice cream cone.

Spruce Meadows Media/Dave Chidley

Future Champion: A young girl shows off her hobby horse skills.

Spruce Meadows Media/Dave Chidley

Candid: A long-time Spruce Meadows fan captures treasured memories on camera.

Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk