Edited Press Release

It wasn’t until halfway through the course that Canadian Sam Walker decided to go for the win in the Zenith Consulting CSI5* Two-Phase on opening day of MLSJ Ottawa five-star competition at Wesley Clover Parks. The original plan was for a warm-up, but Walker felt Evita, a 13-year-old KWPN mare (Canturano x Farmer), had enough in the tank to ride for a ribbon.

Walker led the victory gallop for owner Marbill Hill Farm in front of a home crowd at a show he has been competing at for as long as he can remember. Just off his pace, Alberto Michan (ISR) and Bugatti took second for owner Eduardo Leon. Third-place was awarded to Catherine Tyree (USA) riding her own Newton van het Krekelhof.

A Word From The Winner

“This show is really cool because I remember showing here for my entire life. My parents brought me here when I was a little kid. I’ve always had great success here, and I love riding on this field. I’m going to ride Evita for the team on Saturday so I think this is a good start to the week. I’m looking forward to riding with Darrin [Dlin] and Taylor [St. Jacques]. They have some stellar horses and we are all really hungry. “ ~ Sam Walker (CAN)