Matthew Sampson Wins the RBC Grand Prix of Canada, presented by Rolex at Spruce Meadows.
Saturday 18 June 2022
.jpg "Matthew Sampson Wins the RBC Grand Prix of Canada, presented by Rolex at Spruce Meadows.")
It was a dream come true ride for Matthew Sampson, from Aston, Sheffield, who clinched first place in the RBC Grand Prix of Canada, presented by Rolex at Spruce Meadows this weekend aboard 12 year-old bay gelding, Fabrice DN, owned by Luis Alejandro PLASCENCIA O.
FEI course designer Anthony D’Ambrosio presented a tricky 540m course with an 81 second time limit, which resulted in only six riders from the 36 qualified combinations jumping clear to make it through to the jump off.
Sampson laid down a quick, clear ride in the jump off with a time of 38.93s. Connor Swail, from Ireland, riding Count Me In couldn’t quite catch him and finished 2nd in a time of 39.14. Third place went to Erynn Ballard from Canada, riding Gakhir, who secured the last double clear of the class.
Matthew Sampson (GBR) grew up watching Spruce Meadows on TV with the dream of competing and winning a big FEl 5* event in the International Ring - today was that day.
"It's my first 5* Grand Prix win and for it to be at Spruce Meadows - it's a dream come true," Matthew Sampson said on winning at Spruce Meadows. "I grew up watching the greats (Michael Whitaker, John Whitaker and Nick Skelton) compete here, it's what I worked for”.
Full results can be found here.
Image: Spruce Meadows Media / Mike Sturk - https://sprucemeadowsphotos.smugmug.com/
.jpg "Young Riders Shine at Aintree Equestrian Centre Large Pony Premier")
