Rowan Willis, Everse W and Hugh Koebel, Regional Vice President (Western Region), Sun Life Financial.

© Spruce Meadows Media

By Equestrian Life

Australian showjumper Rowan Willis’ form continues in the US where he has won the Sun Life Financial Derby (Table A 1.45m Ag Clock) at the Spruce Meadows CSI5* in Canada. It was the combination’s first attempt at a Derby event, and the Spruce Meadows Derby is known to be a very challenging course.

Full results here.

Rowan ride Everse W to victory, and also enjoyed success with his World Equestrian Games hopeful, Blue Movie. Rowan finished fourth with Blue Movie in the ATCO Queen Elizabeth II Cup 1.60m (Table A 1.60m 2 Phase Grand Prix) against nearly 50 competitors. Top Canadian combination Eric Lamaze and Fine Lady 5 won the class.

Full results here.

Spruce Meadows press release:

Derby Day at Spruce Meadows is always a fan favourite as riders tackle the derby course designed by the late FEI course designer Pamela Carruthers (GBR). Defending champion Richard Spooner (USA) would not ride the derby this year, having retired his derby partner Cristallo (19 years of age) last year.

This year, nineteen horse/rider combinations would tackle the tough track in hopes of making it to the winners circle. Since its' beginning, only 21 clear rounds have been posted in 689 attempts on this derby course and today's competitors looked to add to that.

The rails were coming down throughout the course with many riders carrying forward eight or more faults as they crossed the finish line. Australia's Rowan Willis changed that as he and Everse W crossed the finish line with just one time fault.

Only 21 clear rounds have been posted in this derby, and that would not change today. Despite great efforts from all the riders Rowan Willis (AUS) in his first derby took the win with one time fault. Andrew Kocher (USA) and Daniel Coyle (IRL) followed in second and third respectively - both with the only four faults of the day.

"All the hard work paid off and it was a great stage for it to pay off on."

-  Rowan Willis (AUS) on winning the Sun Life Financial Derby.

Source: Spruce Meadows press release

READ THE LATEST NEWS ARTICLES HERE