Canadian legend wins showjumping’s richest prize

Canadian legend Ian Millar, 67, landed the $1.5m CP International Grand Prix at Spruce Meadows on Sunday (14 September). This victory on home soil now makes him a contender for the 1m euro bonus in the Rolex Grand Slam of Showjumping.

Riding the 11-year-old Dixson in a two-way jump-off, Ian found a 2sec advantage over a counterpart 47 years his junior in Reed Kessler of USA riding Cylana.

“Dixson kept getting better with each round — I had all the horse I needed, as well as the advantage of following after Miss Kessler,” he said.

Switzerland’s Marie Etter finished third with four faults in round two and WEG dual-bronze medallist Beezie Madden took fourth on Simon. Britain’s Robert Whitaker (Catwalk IV) and Ireland’s Shane Breen both made the final 12, just succumbing to the fierce tracks of Leopoldo Palacios in the second round.

Don’t miss the full report from the Spruce Meadows Masters in this week’s issue of Horse & Hound magazine (out 18 September).

Jennifer Donald

H&H showjumping editor

Jennifer is passionate at showjumping and her role as H&H’s showjumping editor has taken her around the world reporting from shows and interviewing riders, connections and those involved behind the scenes. Since joining H&H from BBC Sport in 2005, she has written on every subject across the equestrian sphere — from turnout rugs to stable management — and has interviewed gold medallists, world champions and winners galore. She also has first-hand experience of working in the equestrian industry as a riding instructor and yard manager.