Gabriel de Matos Machado emerged victorious in the highly competitive AltaGas Cup during the Continental show-jumping tournament at Spruce Meadows on Friday. The Brazilian rider and his Irish Sport Horse gelding Legaland Sandro delivered the fastest clear performance in the jump-off, stopping the International Ring clock in 43.19 seconds.
Competition Highlights
The track featured 13 obstacles and 15 jumping efforts, all to be completed within the allotted time of 86 seconds. Riders from around the globe rose to the challenge, with eight athletes representing several nations producing fault-free first rounds to advance to the jump-off.
Sameh el Dahan of Egypt and Oscar-A (44.63) finished second, followed by Mexican rider Arturo Parada Vallejo and Laretto (48.49). The 1.5-1.55m event served as the qualifying competition for Sunday’s AKITA Drilling Grand Prix on the final day of the Continental.
Other Winners
Mark Bluman of Colombia and S&L Haquinsa won The Partners 1.50m. Other winners on Friday, in events sponsored by Coril Holdings, were:
- Czechia’s Vaclav Stanek and Langley in the 1.40m jumper
- Allison LaJoie of the United States and Santa Rosa Apolo in the 1.30m jumper
- Canadian Femke Courchaine and Lemonade BF in the 1.30m
- American Sloan Elmassian and Centurion in the 1.20m
- Lucas Sebastian Jaquez Medina of Mexico and Gerdenike in the 1.10m
Femke Courchaine rode Lemonade BF to victory in the Coril Holdings 1.30m, adding to the international success at Spruce Meadows. The competition showcased top-tier equestrian talent, with riders from Brazil, Egypt, Mexico, Colombia, Czechia, the United States, and Canada all claiming victories.
