Mark Bluman (ISR) Claims Victory in Fan-Favourite Sun Life Derby at Spruce Meadows

July 06, 2026

A thrilling conclusion to the final day of the ‘North American’, presented by Rolex.


Mark Bluman (ISR) & Claron CR win competition #642 Sun Life Derby
© Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk


July 5, 2026 (Spruce Meadows) - The fan-favourite Sun Life Derby brought the 'North American', presented by Rolex, to an exciting close on Sunday afternoon. Twenty-five horse-and-rider combinations took on the iconic derby course, a test spanning more than one kilometre and featuring 18 obstacles (24 efforts) to be completed within the 155-second time allowed.


Designed by FEI Course Designer Leopoldo Palacios (VEN), the track remains rooted in the original vision of legendary FEI Course Designer Pamela Carruthers (GBR) and features naturals obstacles like the bank, Devil’s Dyke, dry ditch, double liver pools and the open water.


Israel's Mark Bluman (ISR) and Canada's Kyle King (CAN) rose to the challenge, producing fault-free performances over the demanding derby course to force a head-to-head jump-off for the title.


Returning first, Bluman delivered a brilliant clear round aboard his mount, stopping the clock in 37.96 seconds to set a formidable target. King answered with an impressive effort of his own but incurred four faults, crossing the finish line in 38.33 seconds to secure the runner-up position.


Rounding out the podium was Germany's Richard Vogel aboard Chember 3, who finished third after posting the fastest four-fault performance in the opening round.


“We're just very thankful for the Southern family. It's a pleasure, it's an honor to be here (at Spruce Meadows). And we're very thankful for the sponsors and all the people that make these tournaments possible.” - Mark Bluman (ISR) on a successful inaugural summer season at Spruce Meadows.


Kyle King (CAN) & Odysseus finished second © Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk


Top 10 #642 Sun Life Derby
Mark Bluman (ISR) & Claron CR
Kyle King (CAN) & Odysseus
Richard Vogel (GER) & Chember 3
Daniel Coyle (IRL) & Calippo 57
Lillie Keenan (USA) & Emerlon
Juan Manuel Luzardo (URU) Guizmo du Riou
Abdulrahman Alrahi (KSA) & Kandide Chavannaise
Rowan Willis (AUS) & For Dilando PS
Laura Hazlett (USA) & Avianna
Jos Verlooy (BEL) & Parise van den Dael

Full Results from #642 Sun Life Derby

© Spruce Meadows Media/Tony Lewis
Mark Bluman (ISR) cleared the Devil’s Dyke with ease © Spruce Meadows Media/Mark Spowart
 Veteran Daniel Coyle (IRL) Claims Kubota Cup Title at Spruce Meadows
Daniel Coyle (IRL) & Uruville Z win competition #639 Kubota Cup
© Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk


The Kubota Cup 1.50m Winning Round opened competition on the International Ring on Sunday during the 'North American', presented by Rolex. In this  format, the top 10 athletes from the first round return for the Winning Round, competing in reverse order of merit. Scores from the opening round are not carried forward, giving all qualified athletes a clean slate heading into the deciding round.


Nine of the ten athletes advancing to the Winning Round produced fault-free performances in the opening round, with McKayla Langmeier (USA) securing the final qualifying position in 10th place after incurring three time faults.


Veteran rider Daniel Coyle (IRL) rode to victory in Sunday's Kubota Cup aboard Uruville Z. The pair delivered a blistering performance in the Winning Round, crossing the finish line in a time of 48.90 seconds to secure the top spot on the podium.


Coyle and Uruville Z finished a full second ahead of the runner-up combination of Kyle King (CAN) and Replay Touch V/D Stapelheyde, who stopped the clock in 49.91 seconds.


Top 10 #639 Kubota Cup 1.50m
Daniel Coyle (IRL) & Urville Z
Kyle King (CAN) & Replay Touch V/D Stapelheyde
Conor Swail (IRL) & Casturano
Katie Laurier (NZL) & ZF Chacco Rio
Richard Vogel (GER) & Phenyo Van Hey Keysersbos
Mark Bluman (ISR) & Inside of My Heart
Eugenio Garza Perez (MEX) & Victer Finn DH Z
McKayla Langmeier (USA) & Isidore de Chalusse
Luis Fernando Larrazabal (VEN) & Diaroubet
Hilary Scott (AUS) & Lola
Full Results from #639 Kubota Cup 1.50m


 From the Winner’s Circle
Richard Vogel (GER) & Diatasio win #634 Friends of the Meadows CSI2* Grand Prix 1.45m
© Spruce Meadows Media/Tony Lewis
Peyton Krahenbuhl (USA) & Nefrieda win #620 Friends of the Meadows Jumper 1.30m Jr/Am
© Spruce Meadows Media/Kevin Udahl
Britt Lloyd (CAN) & Querido Van Het Geinsteinde win #624 Friends of the Meadows Jumper 1.40m Jr/Am © Spruce Meadows Media/Kevin Udahl


Linda Southern-Heathcott Horsemanship Scholarship, presented by Duncan Ross

Emily Moffatt (CAN) [Left] & Ty Simpson (USA) [right] are the final recipients of the Linda Southern-Heathcott Horsemanship Scholarship, presented by Duncan Ross
© Spruce Meadows Media/Rylee Smolarchuk


We caught up with our second half of the Spruce Meadows Summer Tour recipients of the Linda Southern-Heathcott Horsemanship Scholarship, presented by Duncan Ross. These athletes 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, Ty Simpson (USA) and Emily Moffatt (CAN) have 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.


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)
‘Pan American’, presented by Rolex | Ty Simpson (USA) (pictured above)
‘North American’, presented by Rolex | Emily Moffatt (CAN) (pictured above)
Learn more about the Linda Southern-Heathcott Horsemanship Scholarship, presented by Duncan Ross



FAULTLESS takes viewers inside the world of elite show jumping, following the sport's top athletes, extraordinary horses, and the unforgettable moments that define competition at the highest level.


Narrated by three-time Emmy nominee Walton Goggins (Fallout, The White Lotus) and produced in partnership with Rolex, the six-part documentary series travels across Europe and North America, featuring the world's most prestigious events, including the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.


Go beyond the arena and discover the dedication, resilience, partnership, and passion required to compete on the world's biggest stages.


📺 Streaming on The Roku Channel in the U.S. and Canada
Learn More and Stream There’s More to Come at Spruce Meadows!
Local tournaments, Cavalry FC home matches, Global Fest,  the ‘Masters’ and more!



© Spruce Meadows Media/Tony Lewis
The excitement is far from over at Spruce Meadows! 🌟🐎⚽


Mark your calendars for the crown jewel of the season — the legendary 'Masters' Tournament, returning this September (Sept 9-13) with world-class show jumping, unforgettable entertainment, and the electric atmosphere that has made it one of the most celebrated events in the sport. From the prestigious CPKC 'International', presented by Rolex to the fan-favourite BMO Nations’ Cup and of course the ATCO Electric Six-Bar the 'Masters' is an experience unlike any other.


Before then, there's plenty more to enjoy, including the August Classic Series, the spectacular celebrations of GlobalFest, thrilling Cavalry FC home matches, and so much more.


One destination. Endless summer memories. The best is still to come at Spruce Meadows.


✨Be sure to stay tuned to our official social channels and subscribe to our newsletters so you don't miss a moment of the action ahead!


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