McLain Ward scores his first Canada One victory

McLain Ward amd Pjotter van de
Zonnehoeve. By Spruce Meadows
Media Services

Double Olympic gold medalist McLain Ward bested an international entry of 52 to score his first victory of the Spruce Meadows Canada One tournament in the Westjet Cup. Riding his 10-year-old Dutch gelding Pjotter van de Zonnehoeve, McLain piloted a fast trip around the jump-off course in 42.52 seconds to defeat fellow American Mario Deslauriers (Urico).

Fourteen horse-rider combinations had advanced to the jump-off over the technically demanding course designed by Canada's Michel Vaillancourt.

Winner's words
“This was a very demanding course with a very talented field of horses and riders,” said Mclain, while receiving the Westjet Cup and champion’s cheque from Westjet’s Yehudi Altman. “There are horses and riders in this competition with Olympic and World Championship experience. I am very pleased the way my young gelding handled it all. This would be like a grand prix anywhere else in the world.”

McLain has had a very successful Spruce Meadows summertour to date, sharing a number of victories around his stable with a talented team of horses in his pursuit of world number one Eric Lamaze of Canada.

That pursuit continues through the Canada One tournament this weekend, culminating with the ESSO Challenge World Cup on Sunday afternoon.