Khaled Al Eid (KSA) concluded the 2011 Spruce Meadows Champions “Welcome” Tournament with an impressive double clear performance riding Presley Boy to victory in the Friends of the Meadows World Cup Grand Prix. The victory in the final events of the Spruce Meadows “Masters” preview tournament was the first ever for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in International competition at Spruce Meadows.
“It has been a dream of mine since I first rode here as a junior in 1992,” said Al Eid following the victory. “For us, Spruce Meadows is the best and to win here is very important for our entire team. With a horse like Presley Boy you always have a chance,” he added about his 14 year old black stallion who is just returning after a six week rest.
Twenty three horse/rider combinations, representing 11 nations started the event with 8 advancing to the jump-off over the Werner Deeg (GER) designed course. “I am thrilled with the result,” said Deeg following the event. “The conditions were perfect, the ground was exceptional, and we had a very good result leading into the Spruce Meadows “Masters”.”
Khaled Al Eid led the jump-off order and could not be caught by the seven that followed. His margin of victory was 4/10 of a second over American Richard Spooner riding Cristallo. Ian Millar was the lone Canadian starter and he finished fifth riding Star Power.
The horses now have a couple of days to rest prior to competition commencing in the $2 million Spruce Meadows “Masters” on Wednesday.
For a complete tournament schedule visit the Spruce Meadows website at www.sprucemeadows.com.
Friends of the Meadows World Cup Qualifier – Top 10
1-Khaled Al Eid KSA Presley Boy
2-Richard Spooner USA Cristallo
3-Andreas Kreuzer GER Jumex Sport Atlantus
4-Peter Charles GBR Murkas Vindicat W
5-Ian Millar CAN Star Power
6-Christina Liebherr SUI LB Casanova
7-Ellen Whitaker GBR Locarno 62
8-Simone Wettstein SUI Clipmyhorse Cash and Go
9-Stephanie Van Den Brink NED Verdi
10-Wassim Anzarouti SYR Cyber Boy
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