Calgary, AB, Canada – September 4, 2013 – The prestigious Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament opened today in the International Ring and featured exciting competition. The victory in the $85,000 Finning Cup 1.60m went to Christian Ahlmann (GER) on Taloubet Z. The ‘Masters’ continues through Sunday, September 8, and features the $1 Million CN International Grand Prix, part of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, on Sunday, and the $350,000 BMO Nations Cup on Saturday.

The $85,000 Finning Cup 1.60m had 39 entries, and 10 of those proceeded to the jump-off. The courses this week are designed by Leopoldo Palacios of Venezuela. Ahlmann rode Taloubet Z, his 2011 FEI World Cup Finals winning partner, to victory in the competition. Riding out of the second spot in the jump-off order, they put down an all-important clear round over a course that featured a long gallop to a skinny vertical. They finished in 45.38 seconds.

Ahlmann and Taloubet Z, a 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood stallion by Galoubet A S.F. x Polydor owned by Judy Ann Melchior and Ahlmann, was Ahlmann’s first choice for the ‘Masters’ given his success here before.

Final Results: $85,000 Finning Cup 1.60m

1. TALOUBET Z: 2000 Dutch Warmblood stallion by Galoubet A S.F. x Polydor
CHRISTIAN AHLMANN (GER), Judy Ann Melchoir and Christian Ahlmann: 0/0/45.38

5. VADETTA VH METTENHOF: 2002 Dutch Warmblood mare by Orame x Ahorn
NICOLA PHILIPPAERTS (BEL), Ludo Philippaerts: 0/4/45.89

(Source: www.sprucemeadows.com)