Team Great Britain Triumphs in BMO Nations’ Cup at Spruce Meadows

On a fittingly named British Day at Spruce Meadows, Team Great Britain ended a nearly three-decade wait for victory in the BMO Nations’ Cup, clinching their first win since 1996. Cheered on by a massive crowd and the Royal Patron of Spruce Meadows, the Duchess of Edinburgh, the British squad delivered a flawless performance to top the podium.

Course designer Leopoldo Palacios set a sweeping test on the International Ring, narrowing the original 11-team field down to six for the second round: Germany, Great Britain, USA, Ireland, Belgium, and Brazil. The competition tightened through round two, but the British riders proved untouchable.

Under the guidance of chef d’équipe Di Lampard, the team of Matthew Sampson (Ebolensky), Ben Maher (Enjeu de Grisien), Joseph Stockdale (Ebanking), and Donald Whitaker (Millfield Colette) finished on a remarkable 0 total faults across both rounds. Three of the four delivered double-clear efforts, sealing the historic win in dominant fashion.

Germany finished second, while the United States claimed a close third, rounding out an electric day of sport at one of show jumping’s most iconic venues.

Photo by Stefan Lafrentz