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Super Mario Wins Big!

June 29, 2008

Spruce Meadows, Calgary, Alberta --- The final day’s ‘Final Test’ at the Spruce Meadows “Canada One” Tournament proved to be an extraordinary test for horses and riders. The $50,000 Esso Challenge hosted a 53 horse entry over a 560 m course designed by 2008 Olympic Games course designer Leopoldo Palacios (VEN).

Early on it was clear that the 17 jumping efforts were both physically and technically challenging. Of 53 first round starters just six were able to answer all of the questions and post a clear result to advance to the jump off.

The jump off course featured an interesting blend of both new and familiar names. In the end it was the familiar that won out to lead the final victor ride of the Spruce Meadows “Canada One” Tournament.

The six horse jump off covered 330 m and included veteran Canadian riders Ian Millar, Mac Cone and Mario Deslauriers, Americans Norman Dello Joio and Lauren Hough and a young Puerto Rican international Francis Roig. When the dust settled it was the veteran Canadian trio that rose to the occasion and swept the medals.

Mario Deslauriers lead the victory ride aboard his twelve year-old gelding Obelix R. He was followed by 2008 Olympic team members Mac Cone and Ian Millar. “This is a super win for me coming when it does. I feel great and so do my horses heading into next week and the Spruce Meadows “North American” Championship,” said Deslauriers. “Any win at Spruce Meadows is a big win.”

Esso Challenge top 10 –

1- Mario Deslauriers CAN Obelix R

2- Mac Cone CAN Wembley 234

3- Ian Millar CAN In Style

4- Lauren Hough USA Quick Study

5- Francis Roig PUR Lady in Blue

6- Norman Dello Joio USA Malcolm

7- Brenda Riddell CAN Leo 127

8- Eric Lamaze CAN Narcotique De Muze II

9- Schuyler Riley USA Ilian

10- Enrique Gonzalez MEX Centinaio 2

Deslauriers is the defending Spruce Meadows North American Champion and will begin defense of his title Wednesday against some of the biggest names in the sport at the $1 million Spruce Meadows “North American” Tournament.

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