Queen Elizabeth II Cup
The flags surrounding the international ring flapped noisily in the wind during the North American tournament’s ATCO Queen Elizabeth II Cup at Spruce Meadows on Saturday September 18th, 2022.
Mexico’s Carlos Hank Guerreiro, riding Just the Music, posted the course’s first clear round. Canada’s Hyde Moffat had an unfortunate refusal at the Liverpool and retired. Canada’s Ben Asselin had the middle jump of the ATCO triple combination down. Ireland’s Daniel Coyle had a refusal at the wall and retired, it appeared his horse may have lost a shoe.
Katie Laurie, an Australian rider who is based in Calgary, had a clear round aboard riding Django II, to much applause. A quick look at Katie’s Instagram account showed that she is a mom of two small children – I believe they must have been the children I had seen walking the course earlier in the day. What a fun life those kids must have! As a mom of two myself, I can only imagine trying to walk an important course while the kids are saying, “Mom, can I have a snack? Mom my apple fell down. Mom!” Very impressive to be a top show jumper balanced with the demands of family life.
Ashlee Bond, who formerly rode for USA and now rides for Israel, had a refusal at the Liverpool but with some impressive riding was able to get her mount Donatello 141 over on the second attempt to finish the course. Canada’s Mario Deslauriers rode clear to cheers! Egypt’s Nayel Nassar, recently engaged to Jennifer Gates - who was watching from the south grandstand - also had a refusal at the liverpool. Always difficult, the Liverpool caught a number of riders on this day particularly. Kent Farrington and Gazelle, who finished second last week in the prestigious CP International, had an unlucky four faults. Tiffany Foster riding Northern Lights had the first part of the triple combination down, and Mclain Ward, last to go in round one, retired.
Mario Deslauriers and Bardolina 2 leave the final jump up to secure the jumpoff victory. Copyright Julie Claire.
Three riders advanced to the jump off. Carlos Hank Guerreiro, only 21 years old, had a refusal, and Katie Laurie had the second jump down, leaving the jump off wide open for Mario to win if he went clear. Mario and Bardolina 2 had a careful and precise round, winning the Queen Elizabeth II Cup. It was nice to see a Canadian win this big class in the International Ring. Mario’s daughter, Lucy Desalauriers, had also had a great week over in Aachen, as part of the winning USA Nation’s Cup team.
Jumping the ATCO fence. © Spruce Meadows Media/Tony Lewis
Congratulations Mario!