A podium sweep for the Irish
Daniel Coyle (IRL) & Farrel win the Recon Metal Cup 1.55m, trophy presented by John Thompson (CEO, Recon Metal)
© Spruce Meadows Media/Bart Onyszko
June 11, 2026 (Spruce Meadows) - The Recon Metal Cup 1.55m served as this week's key qualifying competition for Saturday's RBC Grand Prix of Canada, presented by Rolex, drawing 46 athletes to the International Ring.
Riders stepped through the iconic Clock Tower to face FEI Course Designer Olaf Petersen Jr.'s 605-metre track, featuring 13 obstacles (16 efforts), and a time allowed of 91s.
Only 12 combinations answered every question asked of the course and advanced to the jump-off.
Fresh off a victory earlier in the day, Ireland's Daniel Coyle returned to the spotlight looking for a second win—and delivered. Aboard his trusted mare Farrel, Coyle produced a brilliant clear round, stopping the clock in 38.63s to secure top spot on the podium.
Making the result even more impressive, Coyle also claimed second place with Urville Z, while fellow Irishman Conor Swail rounded out an all-Irish podium in third.
“Spruce Meadows is great. You come here for the four tournaments and you stay in one place, which we don't get to do much. The horses can grow every week and you can jump a bigger class or a smaller class depending how your week is going so it's a really big thing in our schedule.” Daniel Coyle on returning to Spruce Meadows each year. “We plan to come every year, because we get to know the horses a little better before we go on tour but not only that, Spruce meadows is one of the best places in the world.”
Top 10 from the Recon Metal Cup 1.55m
Daniel Coyle (IRL) & Farrel
Daniel Coyle (IRL) & Urville Z
Conor Swail (IRL) & Clonterm Obolensky
Mark Bluman (COL) & Landon de Nyze
Hilary Scott (AUS) & Oaks Milky Way
Jad Dana (LBN) & Itchcock Des Dames
Conor Swail (IRL) & Theo 160
Mark Bluman (COL) & Genial de B’Neville
Sean Jobin (CAN) & Arkuga
Robert Whitaker (GBR) & Equine America Vermento
FULL Results Recon Metal Cup 1.55m
Jos Verlooy (BEL) & Parise Van Den Dael win the Francis Family Cup 1.50m
© Spruce Meadows Media/Bart Onyszko
The International Ring opened competition today with the Francis Family Cup 1.50m, where 25 athletes took on the track designed by FEI Course Designer Olaf Petersen Jr.
Only four combinations produced fault-free first rounds to earn a place in the jump-off, setting the stage for a thrilling finish.
Belgium's Jos Verlooy proved unbeatable, delivering a clear and speedy jump-off round aboard his mount to stop the clock in 34.84s and secure victory.
A fast, flawless performance to kick off another exciting day of international competition at the Spruce Meadows 'National'.
Top 10 from the Francis Family Cup 1.50m
Jos Verlooy (BEL) & Parise Van Den Dael
Conor Swail (IRL) & Kazelli VDL
Gabriel de Matos Machado (BRA) & Commander HK Z
Rowan Willis (AUS) & Handsome
Arturo Parada Vallejo (MEX) & Mon Faut-Tren
Eugenio Garza Perez (MEX) & Conago
Emily Esau Williams (USA) & Cascarado
Jos Verlooy (BEL) & Nixon Van’t Meulenhof
Robert Whitaker (GBR) & Strike A Pose
Sean Jobin (CAN) & Qoutois
FULL Results Francis Family Cup 1.50m
Daniel Coyle (IRL) & Nord Face VDL win the Mercer Cup 1.40m
© Spruce Meadows Media/Dave Chidley
The Mercer Cup took centre stage in the All Canada Ring today, with 33 horse/rider combinations taking on FEI Course Designer Tom Holden's (IRL) first-round track in pursuit of a coveted spot in the jump-off.
Eight combinations delivered clear rounds to advance, setting the stage for an exciting jump-off.
In the end, it was Ireland's Daniel Coyle and Nord Face VDL who rose to the occasion, stopping the clock in a winning time of 35.24s to secure Mercer Cup victory at the Spruce Meadows 'National'.
A fast round, a flawless performance, and a well-deserved win.
Top 10 from the Mercer Cup Cup 1.50m
Daniel Coyle (IRL) & Nord Face VDL
Kyle King (USA) & Ninja BF
Katie Laurie (NZL) & Miss Montreal P
Alexis Bodo (USA) & Timeless
Natalie McHenry (CAN) & BP Magic
Blythe Karolyi (USA) & Baileys Van De Broy Z
Zoe Brown (AUS) & Immer Fortuna
Jamie Sailor (USA) & Little Diamond HDH
Allison La Joie (USA) & Botero
Addison Durrett (USA) & Ground Breaker
While world-class show jumping remains at the heart of the Spruce Meadows experience, there’s plenty more to discover across the grounds throughout the 'National' Tournament.
From Friday through Sunday, guests can browse local artisans and vendors in the Nutrien Horizons Pavilion, enjoy live performances on the Scotiabank Stage, cheer on the always-popular corgi and dachshund races, and catch the action-packed FireFit Championships. Families can spend the day in the Kids Zone, featuring pony rides, a mini-animal petting zoo, bouncy castles, carnival games, and other interactive activities.
This year’s event also includes exciting feature attractions such as Barbie x Spruce Meadows, the $20,000 Best Dressed in Pink Contest, Friday Night Movies on ATCO Field, the Salute to First Responders celebration, the Spruce Meadows Think Pink Roller Rink, and the debut of the newest installment in the Spruce Meadows x Marvel comic book series.
With premium hospitality experiences, a wide variety of food and beverage options, and entertainment around every corner, the 'National' Tournament delivers an unforgettable experience for guests of all ages.
Learn More About Spruce Meadows x BarbieGet Tickets to the ‘National’, presented by RolexExplore Spruce MeadowsWatch Spruce Meadows
Winners Circle
Braden James (CAN) & Hermes des Carmilles win the #426 Coril Holdings 1.30m
© Spruce Meadows Media/David Chidley
Serenity Enders (CAN) & Designated Survivor win competition #402 Coril Holdings 1.10m
© Spruce Meadows Media/Tony Lewis
Stella Chernoff (CAN) & Connador win competition #422 Coril Holdings 1.40m Jr/Am
© Spruce Meadows Media/David Chidley
Lily D’Astous (USA) & It’s Me De La Cense win competition #410 Coril Holdings 1.20m Jr/Am
© Spruce Meadows Media/Tony Lewis
Stella Chernoff (CAN) & Lady Cassini win competition #418 Coril Holdings 1.30m Jr/Am
© Spruce Meadows Media/Tony Lewis
Kayla Paulson (USA) & Amrod win competition #406 Coril Holdings 1.20m
© Spruce Meadows Media/Tony Lewis
Virginia Bonnie (USA) & Mumatilla win competition #414 Coril Holdings 1.30m
© Spruce Meadows Media/Tony Lewis
