Calgary, Canada – July 06, 2025 – Mckayla Langmeier (USA) road to victory aboard Pepita VD Rollebeek in the final competition of the ‘North American’ at Spruce Meadows. A fan favourite, the $125,000 Sun Life Derby CSI 5* features over one kilometre of track and 18 obstacles (24 efforts) that include a steep bank, double liver pools, dry ditch and of course – the notorious Devil’s Dyke.  

In a true test of skill and stamina for both horse and rider, Langmeier, 25, not only completed the first round of competition with no faults, but pulled off the only double clear of the competition. Pepita VD Rollebeek didn’t touch a single rail and crossed the finish line in the a time of 44.59 seconds.

The original Spruce Meadows Derby track was originally designed by FEI Course Designer Pamela Carruthers (GBR) and while the sport has changed over the years, today’s track (modified by FEI Course Designer Leopoldo Palacios (VEN) & Santiago Varela (ESP) still pays homage to that original track.

“Spruce Meadows has done a fantastic job of maintaining the roots of the sport, and the riders are starting to understand that the derby makes the horses better.” – Leopoldo Palacious (VEN) on continuing the tradition of the derby at Spruce Meadows,  and an increased number of entries in the last couple years.

Final Results – $125,000 Sun Life Derby CSI 5*

1) Mckayla Langmeier (USA) & Pepita VD Rollebeek – 0 / 0 – 44.59

2) Kyle King (USA) & Odysseus – 0 / eliminated

3) Jordan Coyle (IRL) & King Kannan GP – 2

Source: Press Release from Spruce Meadows Media

Photos: © Spruce Meadows Media / Mike Sturk / Bart Onyszko

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