Deusser, Killer Queen claim CP International crown in jump off at Spruce Meadows

Daniel Deusser, of Germany, rides Killer Queen to win the Spruce Meadows equestrian competition in Calgary, Alta., in a Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022, handout photo. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Spruce Meadows Media, Mike Sturk)

Daniel Deusser and his horse Killer Queen captured the coveted Rolex CP International title on Sunday after a pressure-filled jump off at jam-packed Spruce Meadows.

Deusser was tied with Steve Guerdat of Switzerland and Gilles Thomas of Belgium after two rounds of competition on a challenging 570-metre long course that featured 14 obstacles and 17 jumping efforts, all having to be completed in 86 seconds or less.

Thomas and Guerdat both had faults in the third-round jump off, while Deusser had a clear round in 45.78 seconds on the shortened course to secure the win.

Deusser is no stranger to winning a leg of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, however never consecutively. He will now continue the Grand Slam journey later this year as the live contender at CHI Genève in December.

"Spruce Meadows has such a special atmosphere, especially for us riders," said Deusser. "It's our first year competing in front of an audience again and when you come to Spruce Meadows and there's a full house with so much enthusiasm, it's an amazing feeling."

" … Having that atmosphere gives myself and my horse a little bit extra."

After the first round, the top 12 consisted of five of the fastest four-faulters that included Grand Slam contender Gerrit Nieberg of Germany, one rider on a single time fault and four clear rounds, including one by reigning champion Guerdat.

The riders returned in reverse order of faults and time and carried any faults from the first round forward to their final score. Anything can happen in Round 2 and, in a rare event for the Grand Prix, three athletes posted double clear rounds.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 11, 2022