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| Sun Life Financial's Paul Boundy and Rich Fellers. By Spruce Meadows Media Services |
In the Suncast Cup, a 1.45m speed class, Rich teamed up with his 16-year-old Irish-bred gelding McGuinness to win over 64 rivals.
Great things
"When you know this ring as well as we do, some great things can happen," said Rich after mastering German course-designer Werner Deeg' s track, over which seven combinations jumped clear. "It's a good way to start and it's nice when a plan comes together."
The Bantrel Cup was the opening day's 1.50m event and Mario Deslauriers was among 12 that advanced to the jump-off from the 37 starters. Riding the 13-year-old gelding Vicomte D, Mario was the penultimate competitor over the shortened course and knew the final rider, Canada's Eric Lamaze and Sidoline, would press for a win.
"I really had to have a lot of pace from the start. My horse is big and naturally fast, so it worked out very well. I knew it would be tough for Eric to catch up," he said. "This was really tough. Just look at the riders and horses on the line. They are the very best."
Rich's double
Rich's second vistory was in the Sun Life Financial Reach for the Sun competition. After the first round, the 20 starters were weeded down to six for the jump-off. Rich led off with his Irish stallion Flexible and put in a flawless and spectacularly fast round.
"No one’s going to beat that," said Eric Lamaze watching Rich's round.
Considering Eric was joined by the likes of top US riders Richard Spooner, Beezie Madden and Kent Farrington, all recognized as "speed demons", it confirmed the pace and performance posted.
Small but speedy
"Even for me it felt fast," said Rich. "Flexible is small but quick and the course played into our hands. We love this ring. Going first, I knew I had to get a good lick in and open the throttle."
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