Jim Ifko and Un Diamant Des Forets win $50K Grand Prix, $35K Jumper Classic at second phase of Caled

Calgary's Jim Ifko and Eventyre Farms' Un Diamant Des Forets were firing all cylinders during the Celedon Premier 2 CSI2* at Caledon Equestrian Park between Aug. 8-12.

The pair went back-to-back, claiming top prize in both Sunday's (Aug. 12) $50,000 CSI2* FEI Grand Prix of Caledon, presented by Pommies Cider Co., and Friday's (Aug. 10) $35,500 CSI2* FEI Palgrave Jumper Classic, presented by RAM Equestrian.

Jim Ifko and Un Diamant Des Forets claimied top prize in both Sunday's (Aug. 12) $50,000 CSI2* FEI Grand Prix of Caledon, presented by Pommies Cider Co., and Friday's (Aug. 10) $35,500 CSI2* FEI Palgrave Jumper Classic, presented by RAM Equestrian. Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography.

On Sunday, Ifko and Un Diamant Des Forets, a Selle Francais stallion, beat out runners-up Keean White and Leilani in an exciting jump-off. White, who hails from Rockwood, Ont. also placed third in the class riding Equus Investments' Tahiorn.

Two days earlier, Ifko and his speedy mount won the red ribbon in the $35,500 CSI2* FEI Palgrave Jumper Classic, presented by RAM Equestrian. The pair beat out out a starting field of 17 competitors in that one, with only three making through to the jump-off on the challenging course by Brazillian course designer, Guilherme Jorge.

Tanya Panzcuk representing RAM Equestrian presented the winning awards to Jim Ifkko and Un Diamant Des Forets on Friday Afternoon. Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography.

Ifko topped fellow Albertan Vanessa Mannix and Catinka 25 in the second round, with Ontario's Hyde Moffat and Granturo rounding out the top three.

Click here for a full summary of both classes.

Just before the Grand Prix on Saturday, Ireland's Conor Swail and Asta Torokvei's Gamble were victorious in the $5,000 1.35m-1.40m Jumper Stake, presented by HFH Inc.

Karley Hopwood and Himalaya, and Sam Pegg riding Cayden de Coilly were second and third, respectively.

Conor Swail aboard Gamble while they receive awards for their win of the $5000 Jumper Stake presented by HFH Inc. Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography.

Sixteen-year-old FEI up-and-comer, Sam Walker, and his ride Acardi Du Houssoit Z got the week's FEI jumper action started on Thursday (Aug. 9) with a win in the $8,500 FEI Open Welcome.

Walker, who hails from Nobleton, Ont. squared off against some very experienced and decorated riders in the the field of 14 starters. He and Acardi Du Houssoit Z topped second-place finishers Keean White and Tahiorn, Canadian show-jumping legend Ian Millar riding Truman in third place for the win in a exciting jump-off.

Sam walker aboard Acardi Du Houssoit Z win the $8500 FEI Open Welcome at Caledon Premier 2 CSI2* Aug 8-12, 2018. Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography

The second phase of the Caledon Premier also featured some impressive runs in the hunter rings in both $3,000 Canadian Hunter Derby, presented by Exclusively Equine Gifts and Décor, as well as the $3,000 LongRun Thoroughbred Hunter Challenge Finals, presented by Adena Springs and Chiefswood Aftercare.

The LongRun TB Hunter Challenge series, which features retired racehorses getting a second chance at competition as hunters, concluded with Robin Hannah-Carlton and Sandra Bodo's Sterling taking home the red ribbon. Strong Possibility and Payton Taylor were second, with Lilah Chivers and Future Kings placing third.

Donna Ralph of LongRun with Catherine Martin of Exclusively Equine Gifts and Decor presenting the winning award to Robin Hannah-Carlton and Sterling. Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography.

LongRun and Caledon Equestrian Park would like to highlight the "I like Mike" program in support of LongRun's retired race horse program.

"Mike is a grand looking 5 year old Thoroughbred gelding, full brother to Champion Pender Harbour, who will be competing in the 2018 Thoroughbred Makeover this October and, like his brother, Mike is looking forward to helping his fellow retired racehorses through LongRun’s “I Like Mike” campaign, writes LongRun on its website.

"Mike’s owner, Jim Phillips, would like you to donate to LongRun in Mike’s name – 100% of all donations will go directly to LongRun to help support our fifty plus retirees and Jim will generously match all donations up to $15,000."

Visit ilikemikehorse.wordpress.com for more details and to track Mike's journey.

Immediately after the conclusion of the LongRun TB Challenge finals, Kristjan Good dominated the $3,000 Canadian Hunter Derby, presented by Exclusively Equine Gifts & Decor.

Stakkato Grande W, owned by Augustin Walch, ridden by Kristjan Good of Campbellville, ON accept the winning awards from Catherine Martin of Exclusively Equine Gifts & Decor, sponsor of the $3000 Canadian Hunter Derby. Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography.

Good, who hails from Campbellville, Ont. placed first, second and third in the class. He would claim the red ribbon riding Stakkato Grande W, owned by Augustin Walch. Shannon Walter's Chantilly Lace was his mount for his second-place run, while placing third riding Walch's Diamo Blue. Good also placed fifth in the class riding Salvo RSF.

Up next at Caledon Equestrian Park is the Zone Classic running Aug. 17-19, followed by the Trillium Championships from Aug. 29 to Sept. 2.

Visit caledonequestrianpark.com for full event schedules and show results.