James Chawke victorious in Phase 1 of the 1.30m U30 North American Championship

Following an exciting Phase 1, the $5,000 1.30m Table C Competition of the 1.30m U30 North American Championship, it was James Chawke who chalked up the victory aboard the 9 year old Eldorado.

Topping a field of 18 competitors contesting the Championship that offers $20,000 in prize money, and $27,500 in Athlete Development Bursaries, James ended up the fastest completing the course in a time of 69.82 seconds.

With less than one rail separating the top seven competitors it looks to be anyone’s Championship with two more phases and a Jump Off to crown the ultimate winner.

“I was really happy with Eldorado today” said James when asked about his victory. “There is a lot of jumping left though with three phases left, so it is really anyone’s game” added James when asked how he felt about his chances following the first phase.

“This Championship was something that my father and I dreamed up a few years prior to his passing in 2015” said John Anderson when asked about the introduction of the North American 1.30m Under 30 Championship. “My father was quite a philanthropic person in his lifetime, and it was his wish when he passed for me to create something to help young athletes’ with their Show jumping Careers” added John.

It was so wonderful that the Alberta Equestrian Federation along with the rest of the provincial federations in the country could help make this program that we are sure will catch on in the coming years” stated John when talking about the program.

The Rocky Mountain North American U30 Championship was introduced to allow U30 athletes the chance to compete in a three phase Championship competition that ultimately presents Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals to the winners. Canadian U30 athletes from across the country can apply for Athlete Development Travel Bursaries to assist them with expenses incurred to attend the Championship.

The Three Phase Championship will offer $20,000 in Prize Money. In addition to the prize money for the Championship, the Gold, Silver, and Bronze medalists, along with 4th and 5th place, will share Athlete Development Bursaries totalling $27,500, with $10,000 being awarded to the Gold Medalist.

PHASE 1 RESULTS