Calgary, Alberta, Canada – On top of the steady rain, riders in the CN Reliability Grand Prix had to face a difficult course that saw many downed rails, eliminations and few clear rounds. Out of the 26 riders, only four survived the difficult 1.60m course, including the ever difficult black CN planks and a triple combination.

In the end, the first leg of the CN Precision Series went to McLain Ward of the USA. Although both Ward and fellow American Rich Fellers had double-clear rounds, Fellers fell just short of winning the $200,000 Grand Prix.

Ward explained that the sport is a bit like golf, in that it is really a competition between yourself and the course. Number one FEI rider Eric Lamaze did not make it into the jump off, and Ward says that that did play a part in his victory.

“Eric is the standard of the sport,” Ward said. “It is difficult competing against him, which makes this, is a great win for me.”

CN Reliability Grand Prix – Top 10
1- McLain Ward USA Antares F
2- Rich Fellers USA Flexible
3- Ian Millar CAN In Style
4- John Anderson CAN Terrific
5- Mario Deslauriers USA Urico
6- Kent Farrington USA Uceko
7- John Pearce CAN Chianto
8- Paulo Santana BRA Taloubet
9- Ellen Whitaker GBR Equimax Ocolado
10- Eric Lamaze CAN Hickstead

© Copyright 2011 United States Equestrian Federation