François Lamontagne and Safari VH Reukenis Win Season-Opening Grand Prix at Wesley Clover Parks
OTTAWA, ON, May 17, 2026 — François Lamontagne and Safari VH Reukenis claimed victory in Saturday’s $25,000 Julia MacAngus Memorial Grand Prix presented by Brookstreet Hotel, kicking off the 2026 Ottawa Equestrian Tournaments Gold season at Wesley Clover Parks.
Designed by FEI Level 3 course designer Joey Rycroft, the season’s first Grand Prix saw five combinations return for the jump-off. Alexandra Mitchell and Casallco Aurora were first to answer the challenge, laying down a clear round in 49.42 seconds to set the early time to beat. Lamontagne returned next aboard the eight-year-old Safari VH Reukenis, owned by Groupe Zacar Inc., and immediately raised the bar. The pair shaved nearly a second off Mitchell’s time, crossing the timers fault-free in 48.69 seconds. Danica Ellis and Gerko followed with another clear effort in 52.80 seconds, which would ultimately secure third place.
The victory marked an exciting milestone for Safari VH Reukenis, who is just beginning to step up to the Grand Prix level. “I’m especially happy for this horse because he is just turning eight and we are just starting at this level,” said Lamontagne. “I hope it’s going to be the first Grand Prix win of many for him.” Lamontagne has long been a familiar face in the winner’s circle at The Parks, earning multiple victories over the years at the Ottawa Equestrian Tournaments.
Saturday marked the fourth annual Julia MacAngus Memorial Grand Prix, held in honour of the talented young rider, trainer, and coach whose passion for the sport and dedication to her horses left a lasting impact on the Canadian equestrian community. Following her passing at the age of 22, Wesley Clover Parks dedicated the season-opening Grand Prix to honour her legacy and love of show jumping. Julia’s parents, Shirley Fleming and John MacAngus, were present to award the trophy to Lamontagne following the class.
François Lamontagne and Safari VH Reukenis presented as the winner of the $25,000 Julia MacAngus Memorial Grand Prix by Julia MacAngus’s parents, Shirley Fleming and John MacAngus.
Photo by Sunkist Media
François Lamontagne aboard Safari VH Reukenis.
Photo by Sunkist Media
Lexi Pathy aboard Play Boy RAA topped the $2,500 Junior/Amateur Hunter Classic presented by Park Accessories with a winning score of 92.
Photo by Sunkist Media
Competition wrapped up on Sunday with the $2,500 Junior/Amateur Hunter Classic presented by Park Accessories, where valuable Royal Winter Fair qualifying points were on the line. The class attracted 49 entries, with Lexi Pathy topping the standings aboard Play Boy RAA, owned by L Pathy Equestrian, with a winning score of 92.
Following a short break, the Ottawa Welcome II begins Wednesday at Wesley Clover Parks. Sold-out stabling for the back-to-back weeks of national competition marks a strong start to the 2026 season.
Beyond show jumping, Wesley Clover Parks continues to expand its multi-discipline equestrian calendar. The venue will host the Ottawa Spring Horse Trials on Monday, featuring divisions from EV60 through EV105/EV110, and will later welcome FEI eventing competition during Eventing at The Parks CCI2*-S CCI1* in September.
Following the Ottawa Welcome weeks, the Ottawa Dressage Festival will feature competition up to the CDI3* level from May 28–31. Spectator admission is free.
Since its inception in 2015, the Ottawa Equestrian Tournaments at Wesley Clover Parks have grown into one of Canada’s premier equestrian competition series. In 2026, Wesley Clover Parks will stand as the only venue in Canada, and one of very few in North America, to host international competition across all three Olympic equestrian disciplines.
This season also brings significant investments and enhancements across the tournament series, including increased jumper prize money, expanded classes, upgraded stabling options, and continued development of its world-class grass Grand Prix field in collaboration with internationally respected turf expert Richard Hayden.
The 2026 season will be highlighted by the Ottawa International CSI4* CSI2* in August, welcoming many of the sport’s top athletes to Wesley Clover Parks for elite international competition in the nation’s capital.
For more information on Ottawa Equestrian Tournaments and upcoming events, visit https://www.ottawaequestriantournaments.com.
$25,000 Julia MacAngus Memorial Grand Prix presented by the Brookstreet Hotel
Saturday, May 16, 2026
Rider / Horse / Faults / Time
1. FRANCOIS LAMONTAGNE / SAFARI VH REUKENIS / 0:0 / 48.69
2. ALEXANDRA MITCHELL / CASALLCO AURORA / 0:0 / 49.42
3. DANICA ELLIS / GERKO / 0:0 / 52.8
4. MARIA YZERMAN / JOJO JK SR / 0:4 / 51.07
5. DAVID ARCAND / PHIL V/D WEZELSE HEIHOEVE / 0:0 / 0
6. MARIA YZERMAN / PEPE 348 / 0:0 / 0
7. MARIA YZERMAN / CARRICKVIEW CHEAP THRILLS / 4
8. DAVID ARCAND / GUIBET P / 8
9. STEPHANIE BOURASSA / GUSS DE KERGANE / 8
Media Contact
Robyn Cyr – Press Officer
Robyn.Cyr@wesleycloverparks.com