Juan Pablo Gaspar Albanez Ends the ‘National’ on Top with ATB Cup 1.50m Victory

June 16, 2026

A blazing jump-off round and double-clear performance earned Mexico a victory in the ATB Cup 1.50m on the final day of competition.
Juan Pablo Gaspar Albanez (MEX) & Diareno Blue PS win the ATB Cup 1.50m
© Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk


June 14, 2026 (Spruce Meadows) - The 2026 'National', presented by Rolex, concluded on Sunday with the ATB Cup 1.50m in the International Ring.


Thirty-three athletes representing nations from around the world challenged FEI Course Designer Olaf Petersen Jr.'s 565-metre track, featuring 13 obstacles (16 jumping efforts). Competitors were required to complete the course within the 85-second time allowed, with only nine horse/rider combinations advancing to the jump-off.


The final fence proved influential throughout the competition, but Juan Pablo Gaspar Albanez (MEX) delivered when it mattered most. Producing one of only a handful of fault-free jump-off performances, Albanez stopped the clock in 42.17s to secure victory in the ATB Cup 1.50m.


Nicola Pohl (GER) finished second, while Eugenio Garza Perez (MEX) completed the podium in third place.


Top 10 from the ATB Cup 1.50m
Juan Pablo Gaspar Albanez (MEX) & Diareno Blue PS
Nicola Pohl (GER) & Fee du val Guerard
Eugenio Garza Perez (MEX) & Contago
Jos Verlooy (BEL) & Renshaw Van’t Meulenhof
Gonzalo Azcarraga (MEX) & Cashstar
Daniel Coyle (IRL) & Urville Z
Donald Whitaker (GBR) & Royal Red Van Het Lindehof
Sameh el Dahan (EGY) & WKD Balou Breeze
Francisco Lomelin (MEX) & Demostenes
Robert Whitaker (GBR) & Strike a Pose


“It was a fantastic day. Finally, the ‘National’ (presented by Rolex), as I said to you down there (in the winner’s circle), it's always nice to jump double cleans on Sunday.” Juan Pablo Gaspar Albanez (MEX) on a Sunday victory at Spruce Meadows.


© Spruce Meadows Media/Dave Chidley

FULL Results ATB Cup 1.50m


Mark Bluman (COL) & Hastella win the ATCO CSI 2* Grand Prix 1.45m
© Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk


The ATCO CSI2* Grand Prix kicked off the action on the International Ring on Sunday of the 'National', presented by Rolex.


Athletes competing on the CSI2* circuit earned their place on the start list of the competition through qualifying competitions held earlier in the week, with only the top 25 horse/rider combinations advancing to Sunday's feature event.


Designed by FEI course designer Olaf Petersen Jr., the 485-metre track challenged competitors to leave all fences standing while racing against the clock with a time allowed of 78s.


Twelve horse/rider combinations produced fault-free first rounds to advance to the jump-off, setting the stage for an exciting battle for the title.


Once again, Mark Bluman (COL) found his way to the top of the leaderboard aboard Hastella. The pair delivered a brilliant clear round in the jump-off, stopping the clock in 37.34 seconds to secure victory in the ATCO CSI2* Grand Prix.


Top 10 from the ATCO CSI2* Grand Prix
Mark Bluman (COL) & Hastella
Amy Millar (CAN) & Christiano
John Perez Bohm (COL) & Lareusa S
Will Simpson (USA) & Victor Z
Kyle King (CAN) & Replay Tuoch V/D Stabelheyde
Brian Morton (CAN) & Baton Rouge
Allison La Joie (USA) & Botero
Blythe Karolyi (USA) & Theo Duc T&L Z
Alexis Bodo (USA) & Timeless
Zoe Brown (AUS) & Immer Fortuna


FULL Results ATCO CSI2* Grand Prix


Stella Chernoff (CAN) & Connador win competition #424 Trimac Jumping 1.40m jr/am © Spruce Meadows Media/Bart Onyszko
Congratulations to Stella Chernoff (CAN) aboard Connador, winners of today's Trimac Jumper 1.20m Jr/Am!
Linda Southern-Heathcott (President & CEO, Spruce Meadows) presents Hazel August with the week’s $5,000 Linda Southern-Heathcott Horsemanship Scholarship, presented by Duncan Ross © Spruce Meadows Media/Bart Onyszko


This week’s recipient of the Linda Southern-Heathcott Horsemanship Scholarship, presented by Duncan Ross exemplified the qualities that define true horsemanship. Through their dedication to the daily care of their horse, respect for their equine partner, and commitment to excellence both in and out of the competition ring, they stood out among their peers throughout the tournament.


Recognized by the independent jury for their work ethic, sportsmanship, and genuine connection with the horse, Hazel August (CAN) has earned a $5,000 scholarship to support their continued development in horse sport and their pursuit of excellence as an equestrian.


The 2026 Linda Southern-Heathcott Horsemanship Scholarship, presented by Duncan Ross will recognize young equestrians who embody the true spirit of horsemanship — not only in the competition ring, but through their daily care, responsibility, and connection to the horse.


Throughout the 2026 season, at each of the ‘Continental’, ‘National’, presented by Rolex, ‘Pan American’, presented by Rolex, and ‘North American’, presented by Rolex Tournaments, an independent jury will identify and assess young athletes who demonstrate the heart, mind, spirit, and commitment that define exceptional horsemanship.


Scholarship recipients are those who show a deep respect for their equine partners, a strong work ethic behind the scenes, and a genuine passion for the journey that excellence in sport requires.


At each tournament, one recipient of the Linda Southern-Heathcott Horsemanship Award will receive a $5,000 scholarship to support their continued pursuits in horse sport and their commitment to the horse.


As Winston Churchill once said, “There is something about the outside of a horse that’s good for the inside of a person.”


2026 Recipients
‘Continental’ | Lucas Sebastian Jaquez Medina (MEX)
‘National’, presented by Rolex | Hazel August (CAN) (picture above)
Learn more about the Linda Southern-Heathcott Horsemanship Scholarship, presented by Duncan Ross


The Fun Isn't Over — It's Just Getting Started
Discover everything still to come at Spruce Meadows, from the 'Pan American' and 'North American' tournaments to headline concerts, family attractions, and Canada Day celebrations.


© Spruce Meadows Media/Dave Chidley
The 'National' may be coming to a close, but the good times at Spruce Meadows are just getting started! ☀️🏇🎶


Next weekend, the Equi-Plex comes alive with two incredible nights of music as Sam Roberts Band takes the stage on June 19, followed by Barenaked Ladies on June 20.


Then it's on to the 'Pan American', presented by Rolex (June 25–28), packed with everything fans love about Spruce Meadows. Enjoy world-class show jumping, Friday Night Movies on ATCO Field featuring How to Train Your Dragon (live action) and X-Men, fan-favourite corgi and dachshund races, live entertainment on the Scotiabank Stage, shopping, great food, the Kids Zone, and so much more. The weekend's concert lineup features St. Paul & The Broken Bones on June 26 and Stephen Sanchez on June 27, fresh off his performance at Wembley Stadium.


The celebrations continue with Canada Day at Spruce Meadows, presented by ATCO, where guests can enjoy a free BBQ and a special performance by Brett Kissel.


Then comes the 'North American', presented by Rolex (July 2–5), where we'll honour Canada's military through cherished traditions and pageantry including the Feu de Joie and SkyHawks Parachute Drop all while delivering another action-packed weekend of sport and entertainment. Friday Night Movies return with The Bad Guys 2 and the original Top Gun, alongside all your Spruce Meadows favourites: corgi and dachshund races, live music, shopping, food, family activities, and elite show jumping competition.


New at the ‘North American’ this year will be the Sheepherding Classic, highly trained sheepdogs—and handlers work together to move a group of sheep through a series of challenges using whistles, voice commands, and the dog's natural herding instincts on the All Canada Ring July 4 + 5.


To wrap up the 2026 Live & Intimate Concert Series, get your punk rock fix with Jimmy Eat World on July 3 and Charley Crockett, whose music has been featured throughout the hit series Landman, takes the stage on July 4.


One tournament may be winding down, but the entertainment, experiences, and memories at Spruce Meadows are only just beginning.
Info + Tickets for the ‘Pan American’, presented by RolexInfo + Tickets for the ‘North American’, presented by RolexExplore Spruce MeadowsWatch Spruce Meadows

More From the Winner’s Circle
Sophia Jimenez (USA) & Chaline LS La Silla win competition the #404 Coril Holdings 1.10m
© Spruce Meadows Media/Tony Lewis
Samia Staehle (USA) & Foxtrot Semilly win competition #412 Corli Holdings 1.20m jr/am© Spruce Meadows Media/Tony Lewis
Sloan Elmassian (USA) & Centurion win competition #408 Coril Holdings 1.30m
© Spruce Meadows Media/Tony Lewis
Stella Chernoff (CAN) & Lady Cassini win competition #420 Coril Holdings 1.30m jr/am
© Spruce Meadows Media/Tony Lewis


Full Press Release