Sam Walker wins $25K Grand Prix and $10K Open Welcome at CEP’s Summer Festival
Seventeen-year-old Sam Walker kept his August hot streak going after collecting a pair of big wins in the $10,000 Open Welcome presented by Purina and $25,000 Grand Prix presented by RAM Equestrian during last week’s Summer Festival at Caledon Equestrian Park (CEP).
Sam Walker aboard Castlefield Sport Horses Inc.’s Carliztek N.
Fresh off a team gold and an individual silver medal the week before at the Adequan North American Youth Championships in Salem New York, Walker kicked off the Summer Festival beating out a starting field of 33 entries on Thursday (Aug. 8) in the $10,000 Open Welcome – presented by Purina, piloting Castlefield Sport Horses Inc.’s Gangster.
Walker and Gangster were the second of 10 entries to hit the course in the jump-off posting a scorching time of 38.85 seconds that would hold up throughout the second round. Hyde Moffat and Sapheara were second with Miranda Travers-Cavill and Wildcat rounding out the top three finishers.
Hyde Moffat and Sapheara negotiating the Open Welcome Course.
Walker, who hails from Nobleton, Ont., kept his mojo going with another big win in Saturday’s $25,000 Grand Prix – presented by RAM Equestrian. This time riding Castlefield Sport Horses Inc.’s Carliztek N, the teen phenom posted the only clear round among the 18 starting entries on his way to the red ribbon.
Walker accepting the winning awards for his victory of the $25,000 Grand Prix presented by RAM equestrian. PC:Ben Radvanyi Photography
Holly Thompson and Boni Equi Caval were second in the big class with Sam Pegg and Cayden de Coilly in third.
The Summer Festival also featured a series of young horse classes for 5,6 and 7-year-olds, presented by Ride Every Stride. All three classes ran Thursday in the Grand Prix ring with Wes Morrison and Emilia, owned by Double C Stables, winning the 5-year-old division.
Luis Fernando Saenz and SH Equine’s Ikonic PB took home top prize in the 6-year-olds class, with Rachel Schnurr and her mount Clever capping things off with the red ribbon in the 7-year-olds division.
Young horse winners Emilia (5 yr olds), Ikonic PB (6 yr olds) and Clever (7 yr olds). PC:Ben Radvanyi Photography
In the hunter rings, Jordan Hadler and Marauder came out on top in the $3,000 Longrun TB Hunter Challenge Final – presented by Schonberg Farm on Sunday (Aug. 11). The four-part series held throughout the season features retired race horses converted to hunters.
The series lost one of its biggest champions with the recent passing of Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Famer, Gustav Schickedanz.
“Gustav was always very generous in helping retired racehorses enjoy a dignified retirement and he will be sadly missed. As vigorous supporters of thoroughbred retirement, generously sponsoring LongRun’s Hunter Classic Series and many fundraising galas, we thank Schonberg Farm for continuing Gustav’s Legacy,” said LongRun in a release.
Winning the Longrun Thoroughbred Hunter Challenge Finals presented by Schonberg Farm, Jordan Hadler and Marauder. PC:Ben Radvanyi Photography
Sunday’s action also featured the $3,000 Canadian Hunter Derby with Kristjan Good and Katie Sheedy ‘s Vanderbilt claiming top prize. Schnurr posted her second top-three finish of the week placing second in the class riding Harlan, with Riley Buitenhuis and Livorno 61 taking home the white ribbon.
Coined The "Derby Whisperer", Kristjan Good and Katie Sheedy ‘s Vanderbilt win the Canadian Hunter Derby. PC:Ben Radvanyi Photography
Stoney Fields Farm were the big winners in the Summer Festival Tack Room Awards in partnership with Ride Every Stride with their impressive setup. The next round of the 2019 Tack Room Awards will be judged on Sept. 21 during the Canadian Show Jumping Tournament CSI2*.
Francesca Mulligan of Stoney Fields receiving the winning award.
Visit www.rideeverystride.com for information about their impressive line of products for both horses and riders.
CEP would like to thank Pommies Cider Co. for their support of this year’s very successful edition of “Pommies and Popcorn” Movie Nights at the Park. Visit www.pommies.com to check out their tasty lineup of flavoured ciders.
The park would also like to thank Ontario Equestrian, the Town of Caledon, the Headwaters Foundation and all the amazing volunteers who helped make Kids Day 2019 on Aug. 10 a huge success.
Stay tuned to CEP’s social media channels to see the winners of this year’s Pan Am Team Challenge. Many thanks to partners Greenhawk, Running Fox, Sprucewood Tack, Equestrian Management Group, Antares and Ride Every Stride for their contributions.
The park would also like to highlight second-year sponsor Purina for their ongoing support, as well as Windermere Equestrian Centre for sponsoring this year’s Pony Breakfast on Aug. 9. Visit www.equipurina.ca and www.windamereequestrian.com , respectively, for more information.
Next up at the park will the Autumn Classic running Sept. 11-15.
Visit www.caledonequestrianpark.com for a full listing of events and show results. For general inquiries visit info@equiman.com or call 905-880-5344.
