Chris Pratt Stays Ahead of Pack in Husky Energy Cup

2012 Olympic Summer Games course designer Bob Ellis (GBR) set a 580 meter test that ten combinations were able to jump clear to advance to the jump off. Although the conditions were cool and damp the course jumped very well and the footing was excellent.

The jump off featured a mix of the sport’s biggest stars, seasoned veterans, and newer faces to the international stage. In the end there were just two that managed to post double clear rounds, with Canadian veteran Chris Pratt just edging two time Olympic Gold medalist Beezie Madden (USA) for the title in the Husky Energy Cup.

“My horse was very solid tonight,” commented Pratt following the victory. “I knew my time could possibly be beat but you also had to be careful and manage the course. It’s never easy waiting for Beezie to go.”

Pratt’s wait was extended when Madden’s mount threw a shoe during her final warm up fence and had to pay a quick visit to the farrier. In the end the new footwear made no difference and Pratt’s margin of victory was 7/10 of a second.

Action continues tomorrow at the Spruce Meadows “Continental”, the second event in the Spruce Meadows Summer Series. Competition will build towards the tournament’s culminating event, the CN Performance World Cup Grand Prix on Sunday afternoon. The event is the second leg in the $1 million CN Precision Series.

For a complete tournament schedule visit the Spruce Meadows website at www.sprucemeadows.com.

Husky Energy Cup Top 10
1. Chris Pratt – CAN – Cruise
2. Beezie Madden – USA  – Coral Reef Via Volo
3. McLain Ward – USA – Coco135
4. Richard Spooner – USA – Billy Bianca
5. Mario Deslauriers – USA – Cella
6. Kent Farrington – USA – Valhalla
7. John Pearce – CAN – Son of a Gun
8. Angela Covert – CAN – Utan
9. Lauren Tisbo – USA – Crème Brule
10. Daniel Bluman – COL – Fatalis Fatum