Weishaupt takes Cana Cup in jump-off at Spruce Meadows
Philipp Weishaupt brought a Cana-do attitude to the Masters at Spruce Meadows.
On Thursday afternoon, he used that approach to ride Sansibar 89 to victory in the 1.60-metre Cana Cup.
Weishaupt bested the jump-off score laid down by fellow showjumping superstar Beezie Madden, with the German rider taking advantage of a small time window left by his American counterpart, who was aboard Coach.
“I figured my time, for sure, could get beat,” said Madden after the event. “Where I lose time with Coach is on those hairpin turns. I need to get him quicker on that.
“I’m guessing that where’s Philipp beat me.”
Weishaupt rode the course with no faults to go double-clear in Round 1 and the jump-off — the same as Madden — but his 46.95 seconds was nearly two-tenths-of-a-second quicker than the American’s time in the seven-rider jump-off.
Ireland’s Daniel Coyle finished third, aboard Tienna, as the fast- est of the jump-off riders with four faults.
“That was basically my first jump-off with that horse,” said Weishaupt of Sansibar 89. “She has a very big get-up. She’s not a very fast horse, but obviously within a ring like his, she’s a good mover. I saw Beezie go, and I knew if I wanted to beat her, I had to go pretty fast and try everything I can.
“He had to go pretty fast, because I was definitely a little slow. So the pressure was on.”
“She’s a real warrior,” continued Weishaupt of his mount. “She’s a big horse. She always tries 100 per cent her best. I’m not riding her too often. But I knew she would be good in the big grass field (at Spruce Meadows).
“(Thursday), she felt very good in the first round. She’s a great mare.” DAY3
The Masters continues Friday with International Ring events with the Tourmaline Oil Cup (5 p.m.) and the ATCO Six Bar (7:30 p.m.).
Shuttle service is available from the Somerset/Bridlewood C-Train station before, during and after the performances.