Kevin Staut wins 1.60m class after jump-off at the 2024 Spruce Meadows Masters tournament

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There was something about that one course on Friday that made even the stoutest of show jumping horse and rider cower.

The Tourmaline Oil Cup track took its toll on a very adept field of riders, as many took down a single rail, retired or succumbed to the narrow 78-second time limit.

For Frenchman Kevin Staut, meanwhile, pas de probleme.

Staut was not only one of two clears in the first round, he also navigated the jump-off cleanly, winning the 1.60m class in a jump-off on Beau de Laubry Z at the 2024 Spruce Meadows Masters tournament.

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It was, amazingly, the first win for Staut in 12 years of competing at the venue.

“It’s really a fantastic day for me,” said Staut, the 16th-ranked rider in the world. “I’m really honest when I say that. Since the beginning, it was my favourite show. I had feedback from French riders saying it was the most difficult show in the world. It’s a long time I’m coming so today it’s something special. It’s always in your career to win a competition at Spruce. I’m so happy.”

Going head-to-head against Irishman Cian O’Connor as the only two clears, Staut and his mount were spotless in 44.51 seconds. O’Connor and his stallion Fermoy gave it a yeoman effort, finishing with eight faults.

“This morning, there were a few fences that were built so when I walked the course I thought (whistle) it’s tough enough,” Staut admitted. “Plus there was a tight time allowed. Everywhere we had some difficulties that we had to manage … it’s as it should be.

“We are working quite well together,” he said of the partnership with his 11-year-old gelding. “The quality of his jumps is amazing. He’s a really, really quick horse. It’s really important to have a horse like this at Spruce. It will be my horse for the grand prix on Sunday. My plan is to do the same thing as today,” he laughed.

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Third spot went to Harrie Smolders of the Netherlands and Uricas V/D Kattevennen, the fastest of the one-faulters.

The three qualified for Sunday’s $3M CPKC International grand prix, part of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping series. The line-up for the class also includes winners of the other two qualifying events this week, as well as riders who have had top cumulative placings.

For Staut, the confidence gained on Friday is massive.

“It was a tough year,” he explained. “My horse was injured arriving at the Olympics. It’s how our sport is. But we need sometimes to get some big victories to come back. It’s easy to say we don’t have to give up but we need some help from life. Today, something pushed me to continue to give the best that I can. I’m really, really motivated for Sunday.

“But also for the Nations’ Cup tomorrow,” he added. “I’m really a team rider. I love this team competition so I will give my best tomorrow for the BMO Nations’ Cup.”

Canada’s Erynn Ballard was having herself a lovely round on Gakhir, until the two crashed into the second last jump and she fell off. Both horse and rider were fine. Countrywoman Tiffany Foster and Battlecry, who had a fall on Thursday, retired. Ballard and Foster came into this week tied at 21 in the FEI rider rankings.

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Conor Swail, who hardly ever comes away from Spruce Meadows without a win or four in the International Ring, got one on Friday with one of his newer partners, One Edition. The Irishman and the nine-year-old chestnut mare were victorious in the 1.45m Paramount Resources Cup. Canada’s Bretton Chad, aboard Grandeur WP, was second while countryman Alexander Grayton and Ice Man du Houssoit took third.

One of the perennial highlights of the Masters is the BMO Nations’ Cup and on Saturday, seven potent teams will be vying for the title that has been up for grabs since 1977.

Defending champion Ireland returns and will be joined by France, Germany, Great Britain, Spain, Switzerland and host Canada. Team Canada, which will feature Olympians Ballard, Amy Millar, Foster as well as Vanessa Mannix, will attempt to win its first BMO since 2021, its third victory over the many years. Interestingly, Ballard, Millar and Foster were on that ’21 championship team.

A notable absence this year is the participation of an American squad. Due to their sub-par finishes at the BMO of late and due to the great interest by other nations, the U.S. was not invited to take part. The last time Team USA won here at the Masters was in 2017.

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