Edited Press Release
Spruce Meadows (September 10, 2022) – The grounds were packed for and exciting BMO Nations’ Cup Day at Spruce Meadows. The International Ring was filled with fans from one end to the other ready to watch eight nations, including the reigning Olympic Gold Medal and World Championship Team Sweden, go head to head over a possible two rounds of competition, with some of the top nations including reigning BMO Nations’ Cup winners, Team Canada. All eight nations take part in the first round of competition and the top six teams compete over the second round of competitions. Leopoldo Palacios (VEN) designed the 475m track that included 12 obstacles (15 efforts) including some well known fences, the Dutch Bicycle and Canada Planks – all needing to be completed in a time of 72 seconds or less.
After the first round of competition, Sweden, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Mexico and Canada all qualified for the second round, leaving the United States of America and France to finish in 7th and 8th respectively. In Nations Cup competition, things can change fast. Scores were fairly close with the exception of Sweden and the Netherlands, who both came into round 2 with no faults. Switzerland sat comfortably on 7 faults, hoping that others would have faults.
The unexpected elimination of Henrik von Eckermann (SWE) in round 2 meant that the remaining rider’s scores would count. It took the final horse on course, to decide the placings, but with only a single rail during Peder Fredricson’s (SWE) round 2 ride, the reigning Olympic Team Gold and 2022 World Championship Team Sweden took home the 2022 BMO Nations’ Cup. Switzerland and the Netherlands would finish in second and third respectively.
“It’s a bucket list thing, I think every show jumper in the world starts from the beginning and the world knows about something called Spruce Meadows, the ‘Masters,’ said Henrik Ankarcrona, Chef d’Equipe of Team Sweden. “Just to come here and see it is one thing and to come here and fight for the trophy is another. It’s so much work to get here, I’m super proud of the riders.”
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