CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - Sep 7, 2013) -
Editors Note: There are two photos associated with this press release.
Team Germany today claimed victory at the 2013 BMO Nations' Cup, one of the richest Nations' Cup events in the world, with total prize money of $350,000. Despite the rain, a steadfast crowd of show jumping fans watched Team Germany jump in championship form to win at the Spruce Meadows 'Masters' Tournament for the second year in a row.
Equestrian stars formed eight nations' teams at the popular BMO Nations' Cup at Spruce Meadows, each with four members selected by their national federations to compete for their country. They battled over a course designed by Olympic course designer Leopoldo Palacios of Venezuela, which featured 15 jumping efforts, more than 545 metres and a time allotment of 82 seconds.
"I was so nervous before the jump-off, but we kept fighting to the end," said Germany's Chef d'Equipe, Heinrich Engemann.
"This is our 36th year sponsoring the BMO Nations' Cup at Spruce Meadows and it continues to be an exciting event. In front of an enthusiastic crowd of equestrian fans, the performance of both the riders and horses from eight countries, was outstanding," said Tom Milroy, Chief Executive Officer, BMO Capital Markets.
The powerful German Team, reigning World and Nations Cup Top League Champions, were in high spirits after their gold medal performance. Hans Dieter Dreher, chosen by Engemann as the "fastest fighter" remarked on his horse, Colore, "I've had him for a year and I'm very proud of him. It was a big pleasure to win especially with a three team jump-off."
"It was an amazing exhibition of equestrian talent at today's BMO Nations' Cup," said Mr. Milroy. Presenting the winning trophy to Chef d'Equipe Heinrich Engemann, he stated, "Team Germany should be proud of their win in this challenging show-jumping event at the world-class Spruce Meadows 'Masters' Tournament.
Earlier in the week BMO donated 96 tickets to "First Responders" such as firefighters, EMTs, utility responders, police, and search and rescue volunteers, from the Foothills Municipal District, in appreciation of their heroic efforts during the June flooding crisis in southern Alberta.
2013 BMO Nations' Cup Standings
| 1. Germany |
| Chef d'Equipe Heinrich Engemann |
| Christian Ahlmann |
| Hans Dieter Dreher |
| Daniel Deusser |
| Lars Nieberg |
| 2. Belgium |
| Chef d'Equipe Simon Knops |
| Pieter Devos |
| Olivier Philippaerts |
| François Mathy |
| Judy Ann Melchior |
| 3. France |
| Chef d'Equipe Philippe Guerdat |
| Kevin Staut |
| Marc Dilasser |
| Eugénie Angot |
| Penelope Le Prévost |
About BMO Financial Group
Established in 1817 as Bank of Montreal, BMO Financial Group is a highly diversified North American financial services organization. With total assets of $549 billion as at July 31, 2013, and more than 46,000 employees, BMO Financial Group provides a broad range of personal and commercial banking, wealth management and investment banking products and solutions.