Home » Thrills at Spruce Meadows: British Team Triumphs – Brash Seals Rolex Grand Prix in Dramatic Fashion

Thrills at Spruce Meadows: British Team Triumphs – Brash Seals Rolex Grand Prix in Dramatic Fashion

by Michelle Breitenfeld
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The 2025 Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament delivered high-stakes sport and unforgettable moments: Team Britain claimed the Nations Cup after a 29-year drought, while Scott Brash marked a decade since his Grand Slam with a spectacular Grand Prix victory.

Historic Victory for Team Britain in BMO Nations Cup

In a fiercely contested BMO Nations Cup, Team Great Britain rose to the occasion on what was dubbed “British Day” at Spruce Meadows. The victory was their first in Calgary since 1996 and came after two nearly flawless rounds from Ben Maher, Joseph Stockdale, and Donald Whitaker. The latter clinched the win with a final clear round aboard Millfield Colette, sealing a landmark team effort.

Chef d’Équipe Di Lampard credited the team’s unity and determination, calling the moment “a dream come true” after nearly three decades without a Nations Cup win at this iconic venue.

American Riders Impress in Deep Field

While the U.S. narrowly missed the top of the podium, the team showed real depth and resilience. Lillie Keenan posted a brilliant double clear in round one, and teammates Laura Kraut, Aaron Vale, and Elena Haas contributed to a solid third-place finish with just four faults—equal to Germany, but edged out on time.

Kyle King, representing the U.S. in the Rolex Grand Prix, became the crowd favorite after reaching the final jump-off against Scott Brash. Though he ultimately took second place, King’s heartfelt journey from local rider to Grand Prix contender captured the spirit of North American show jumping.

Rolex Grand Prix: Brash Claims Victory 10 Years After Grand Slam

In a competition packed with world-class athletes, no pair managed to finish the two rounds without faults. As a result, only Scott Brash and Kyle King—both with four faults—qualified for a jump-off. Brash, riding Hello Jefferson, was clinical and fast, posting a clear round in 46.97 seconds. King pushed for speed but knocked a rail, handing the victory to Brash.

This marked Brash’s third win at the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Grand Prix and came on the 10th anniversary of his historic Rolex Grand Slam triumph. “This show means a lot to me,” said Brash, who now becomes a ‘Live Contender’ for a new Grand Slam cycle.

Spruce Meadows 2025: A Showcase of Global Excellence

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Spruce Meadows once again proved why it’s one of the world’s premier show jumping stages. Riders from over a dozen nations competed, including top names from Switzerland, Belgium, Brazil, Austria, and the Netherlands. Steve Guerdat (SUI) and Max Kühner (AUT) rounded out the Rolex Grand Prix top four, with strong performances across the board.

The week’s events offered a perfect mix of team spirit, individual brilliance, and emotional narratives—demonstrating that Spruce Meadows remains not just a venue, but a legacy-building arena for the world’s best.

Source: worldofshowjumping.com

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