DECEMBER 2013 THE RIDER /3 The Royal
off, practically barrel-racing the turns she had to make to shave off the seconds. Nobody was able to come close to her time and leave all the jumps in the cups.
week,” explained Howard tonight. “He was unlucky to have a rail down in the World Cup but tonight’s course was a great course for him. McLain Ward I’m sure was faster, but luck didn’t go his way with the rails, and it didn’t again for Harrie Smolders. I thought ‘Wow, maybe there is a chance I could actually win this!’” Howard truly blazed around the jump-
Continued from Page 1 “My horse has been jumping well all
prestigious show in North America and one of the best in the world. And so to have any suc- cess here is particularly gratifying, especially
in honour of Ian Millar’s world famous mount Big Ben, and Millar received the Lt. Col. Stuart C. Bate Memorial Trophy and was named the Leading Canadian Rider of the competition. “The Royal Winter Fair is the best, most
was standing-room only tonight,” Underhill explained. “That’s something we don’t get the opportunity to experience very often in our sport. To have a Canadian contingent in those seats feels very special and definitely raised the bar in our performance tonight. Having so many Canadians in the jump-off speaks really well to our horse power and the quality of our riders. We have a big three-year cycle coming up with the World Equestrian Games next year, followed by the Pan-American Games here in Toronto and then the Olympic Games. It really augers well for our sport.” The Ricoh Big Ben Challenge was named
“You feel the electricity in the crowd. It
tional Rider Award went to Ireland’s Conor Swail, who was unfortunately unable to com- pete in the class following an injury he sus- tained during Friday night’s Weston Canadian Open. “I think I have pulled my Achilles ten-
being the leading Canadian rider in front of this hometown crowd.” The “Braeburn Farms” Leading Interna-
show. I love the atmosphere and the crowd is very enthusiastic. And up until last night, I don’t think I have ever had a show like it in my life. I’ve had lots of wins but I went in and my horses were so consistent - my horses were out- standing. They really deserve this. It’s great to be the leading rider with such great competitors and international riders here.”
don,” said Swail following the ceremonies tonight. “Game Ready is one of those horses that even when you are fully able to ride, you must do so very well. So tonight was out of the picture.” “The Royal is an absolutely fantastic
Governor General’s Cup and Lieutenant Gover- nor’s Cup classes for Canadian-bred three year- olds took to the Ricoh Coliseum. The bay mare Sweet Be took top honours in both classes, owned by Marie-Claude Lavallee and bred by Josee Turcotte, both of Quebec. Sweet Be is by Sir Wanabi, who competed this year in the Adult Amateur hunter division, winning an over fences class with rider Vickie Robert (St. Eustache, PQ).
Earlier in the morning, the prestigious
$75,000 Ricoh Big Ben Challenge Rider / Hometown / Horse / Faults : Time 1. Leslie Howard / Darien, CT / Utah / 0 : 37.37 2. Beth Underhill / Schomberg, ON / Viggo / 0 : 39.04 3. Yann Candele / Caledon, ON / Showgirl / 0 : 39.46
Beth Underhill and Viggo took second place in the $75,000 Ricoh Big Ben Challenge at
the CSI4*-W Royal Horse Show. Viggo was named the Leading Canadian Horse of the competition. Photo credit: Ben Radvanyi
last two years at this level, so I can’t tell you how good it feels to be back,” said Underhill. “I’m so grateful to have Viggo jumping at this level. He still doesn’t have a lot of experience at it, so for him to come out and show such strength in his power, his jump and also in his mentality tonight - it was a big step forward in this horse’s career.”
could not have imagined being in this posi- tion. Her horse Viggo had been sidelined, his future unknown. She only began com- peting him again this summer, progressing through the ranks slowly, to ensure his healing would not come undone. Her patience has obviously paid off. “I’ve been a spectator myself for the
A year ago, runner-up Beth Underhill
Ireland’s Conor Swail was named the Leading International Rider of the 2013 CSI4*-W
Royal Horse Show, Toronto. Presenting the “Braeburn Farms” Leading International
Rider award is Brian O’Leary, Horse Show Chairman. Photo credit: Ben Radvanyi
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