First Day of the ‘North American’ CSI5*/2* Tournament

Nicolas Pizarro (MEX) with his First Win in the International Ring.
The first day of the Spruce Meadows ‘North American’ CSI5*/2* Tournament is underway and the Pepsi Challenge 1.55M was the final competition on the International Ring for the evening. Thirty-four horse/rider combinations took on the 480 metre track designed by FEI Course Designer Peter Holmes (CAN). Riders had to jump a clear first round less than 72 seconds in order to qualify for the jump off.
Ten of athletes representing five countries qualified for the jump off. Veteran rider Nicolas Pizarro (MEX) was the first into the jump off aboard Carquilot and put the presser on the rest of the riders by laying down a quick clear ride in a time of 42.25s. The ride was good enough for first place marking Pizarro’s first win in the International Ring.
“I had a feeling that he (Carquilot) needed to jump here (Spruce Meadows).  It’s a place where horses learn, very rarely you see a horse give up, its tough for them it’s tough for us, but it’s very good sport. It puts me in a good place to go and jump anywhere.“ Nicolas Pizarro (MEX) on competing at Spruce Meadows.
The top 5 horse/rider combinations from this competition have qualified for the ATCO Queen Elizabeth II Cup Grand Prix on Saturday, July 9, 2022.

HSJ

Press release © Spruce Meadows
Photo Nicolas Pizarro (MEX) and Carquilot
© Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk