Abdulrahman Alrajhi Captures the Prestigious $1,000,000 ATCO Queen Elizabeth II Cup CSI 5* at Spruce Meadows

Calgary, Canada – July 03, 2026 – The sun was shining over Spruce Meadows on Saturday during the North American CSI 5* & CSI 2*, presented by Rolex, setting the stage for the day’s marquee event: the $1,000,000 ATCO Queen Elizabeth II Cup CSI 5* – 1.60m.

A maximum field of 40 athletes qualified for the prestigious competition, having earned their place earlier in the week during the Jayman BUILT Cup. The lineup featured an exceptional roster of talent, including defending champion Daniel Coyle (IRL), World No. 2 Richard Vogel (GER), World No. 9 Daniel Bluman (ISR), 2026 ‘Continental’ Grand Prix winner Katie Laurie (NZL), and RBC Grand Prix of Canada winner Mark Bluman (ISR). With so much star power assembled on the International Ring, all signs pointed to a spectacular competition.

All 40 qualified athletes took on the opening-round track, a demanding 565-metre course featuring 14 obstacles (17 efforts), all to be completed within the allotted time of 85 seconds. Designed by FEI Course Designer Santiago Varela (ESP), the first-round track tested every aspect of elite show jumping—speed, precision, and partnership.

Following the opening round, only the top 12 athletes advanced to Round 2, returning in reverse order of merit to battle for the prestigious ATCO Queen Elizabeth II Cup title.

Only two athletes managed to produce fault-free performances in the opening round: Abdulrahman Alrajhi (KSA) aboard 13-year-old Ventago and Daniel Bluman (ISR) aboard the grey mare Corbie V.V.. As they prepared for the decisive second round, they watched a number of competitors deliver clear rounds but carry forward faults from the opening track.

Returning second-last to compete, Alrajhi once again rose to the occasion, producing the only double-clear performance of the day to secure victory in the prestigious ATCO Queen Elizabeth II Cup.

Bluman, had an unfortunate rail in the second round, opening the door for defending champion Daniel Coyle (IRL) to move into second place. With the time from the first round carrying over to the second, Bluman ultimately finished third to round out the podium.

“Honestly, I think Spruce is a totally different sport here. It’s not like another show, honestly. And I was very impressed from how the horses improved after Spruce, and this actually happened last year. It’s definitely struggling when we come here, and I was actually complaining about how tough it could become here in Spruce. But you see the results after Spruce.” – Abdulrahman Alrajhi (KSA) on how his horses have improved since coming to Spruce Meadows.

Final Results – $1,000,000 ATCO Queen Elizabeth II Cup CSI 5* – 1.60m

1) Abdulrahman Alrajhi (KSA) & Ventago – 0 / 0 = 0

2) Daniel Bluman (ISR) & Corbie V.V. – 4 / 0 = 4 / 79.35

3) Daniel Coyle (IRL) & Farrel – 0 / 4 = 4 / 81.94

Source: Press Release from Spruce Meadows Media

Photos: © Spruce Meadows Media / Mike Sturk / Tony Lewis

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