Spruce Meadows, Canada — September 08, 2024 — An incredible final weekend of the ‘Masters’ culminated in a stunning repeat victory for Swiss dynamo Martin Fuchs (SUI) and super steed Leone Jei, as they claimed a second consecutive win in the $3,000,000 CPKC International CSIO 5*, presented by Rolex.
Fuchs shared the podium with Darragh Kenny (IRL) and VDL Cartello, who came second, and Daniel Deusser (GER) with Killer Queen VDM, who placed third, in the two-round competition that started with 38 horse-rider combinations and finished with only the final three in the jump-off.
In a shock turn of events, the Rolex Grand Slam contender going into the event, André Thieme (GER), and DSP Chakaria, were knocked out in the first round, finishing 26th with eight faults, as only the top 12 riders advanced to the second round of the 1.60m competition.
Also to the surprise of many, Team Great Britain Paris Olympics gold medalists Ben Maher (GBR), and Dallas Vegas Batilly, and Scott Brash (GBR), with Hello Jefferson (GBR), landed eighth and 33rd, respectively.
“It feels amazing to be able to secure a win here, back-to-back,” Fuchs said after the event. “It was a dramatic day, but luck was on my side. For me, Spruce Meadows and this competition is the ultimate goal. I am very happy.”
Next year, if Fuchs pulls off a hat-trick, his payout will be quite a lot larger….
Final Results — $3,000,000 CKPC International Grand Prix CSIO 5*, presented by Rolex
1) Martin Fuchs (SUI) & Leone Jei — 0 / 0 / 4 — 40.22
2) Darragh Kenny (IRL) & VDL Cartello — 0 / 0 / 4 + 2 = 6 — 43.84
3) Daniel Deusser (GER) & Killer Queen VDM — 0 / 0 / 8 — 39.58
Source: Press Release from Spruce Meadows Media
Photos: © Spruce Meadows Media / Bart Onyszko / Tony Lewis / Mike Sturk
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Categories: English, Jumper News Schweiz, Spruce Meadows
