The Grand Three

Swail takes the ATCO Queen Elizabeth II Cup; Millar is second and Dello Joio comes third in thrilling Grand Prix

July 6, 2024

Amy Millar (Can), Conor Swail (IRL), and Nicholas Dello Joio (USA) with the ATCO Queen Elizabeth II Cup following today’s nail-biting competition. Spruce Meadows Media/Bart Onyszko

Thank Heavens: An emotional Conor Swail, of Ireland, celebrates his Grand Prix win on the back of his beloved horse Count Me In. A tearful Swail told onlookers how just last year the now 17-year-old Hanoverian gelding stopped performing out of the blue, but this year his ‘horse of a lifetime’ is back in full swing after successfully battling stomach ulcers.

Swail said: “Honestly, what that horse has done for me is just incredible. The highlight reel for me is basically him in my career.

“He went through a little bad patch last year where we weren't that comfortable jumping bigger.

“And then, we've just built him back up nicely. And honestly, he feels as good as ever.”

Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk

July 6, 2024 (Spruce Meadows) — Ireland’s Conor Swail won today’s ATCO Queen Elizabeth II Cup, leading a determined starting competition of 40 of the world’s best riders to take the coveted prize.

Twelve of those athletes advanced to the second round, but only four made it to the jump-off: Swail, Canada’s Amy Millar, American Nicholas Dello Joio and Neal Fearon, also of Ireland.

In the end, Swail was victorious while Amy Millar and Truman finished second and Nicholas Dello Joio and Cornet’s Cambridge came third.

An elated Swail, who finished his clear jump-off round in 39.29s, declared afterwards: “It feels amazing. The Queen Elizabeth II Cup is one of the most prestigious Grand Prix in the world.”

Millar, who will soon head to France as one of the Team Canada Olympic show jumpers, was over the moon with her second place finish.

Millar, who was also faultless but came in at 40.85s, said: “This is my last class before Paris so I couldn’t be feeling better about everything that's going on with that horse and myself and our Canadian team going into what's coming up next.

“Right now, our team is looking fantastic. All the horses are jumping clean, all the riders are riding great.

“Really, that’s all you can ask for.”

Dello Joio was more dejected after finishing in a swift 36.79s but knocking a rail down on the final fence.

“It's hard going first, especially with these guys behind you,” Dello Joio said.

“You got to think, do as much as you can to shut the door and really make them chase.

“I think I just chanced it a little bit too much. But I couldn't be happier with my horse. I mean, he jumped unbelievably today.”

The trio and their competitors enjoyed one of Spanish course designer Santiago Varela Ulastres’ last creations before he too heads to Paris, where he will join fellow designer, Gregory Bodo, of France, as Olympic co-course designer.

For complete results from today visit https://www.sprucemeadows.com/live/

Grateful: Swail and Count Me In gallop past a photo of the late Queen Elizabeth II, for whom this competition is named. Spruce Meadows Media/Tony Lewis

Ground Swail: Conor on his victory lap with Count Me In. Spruce Meadows Media/Kevin Udahl

Driller Thriller: Alex Matz (USA), aboard Holsteiner gelding Cashew Cr, couldn’t hide his delight as the pair took first place in the AKITA Drilling Cup winning round this morning. The duo topped a starting competition of 43, and a ten-rider jump-off, to take top spot ahead of Egypt’s Nayel Nassar, the winner of yesterday’s main event, the ATCO Cup 1.50m. Nassar came second with Coronado, while Sameh El Dahan was third atop Wkd Toronto. Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk

See, Señor: Spanish course designer Santiago Varela Ulastres lays out the finishing touches for today’s big events on the International Ring, mapping out complex tracks for both the AKITA Drilling Cup and the ATCO Queen Elizabeth II Cup. Spruce Meadows Media/Tony Lewis

Joyful Fire: The 50-rifle salute known as the Feu de Joie. Spruce Meadows Media/Bart Onyszko

A Mighty Day For A Military Display

Jumpers weren’t the only stars of the show this afternoon, as we paid tribute to Canada’s military in dazzling style.

Thousands of fans lined the International Ring to enjoy a stunning Feu De Joie rifle salute and extraordinary Military Tattoo.

Gregory Gobere, from Capital Hill, in northwest Calgary, said: “The military displays were incredible to watch. Very interesting, and also really touching. What a great way to celebrate our Armed Forces.

“Spruce Meadows really offers incredible value, when you compare it to almost everywhere else in the city. All these performances. So many fun activities for the kids, not to mention the show jumping. We’re lucky to have this place.”

Jumping on the Ring: A group of dancers on the International Ring during today’s performances. Spruce Meadows Media/Bart Onyszko