David Arcand Defends His Title in $40,000 RBC Grand Prix at Wesley Clover Parks

David Arcand of Boisbriand, QC, won the $40,000 RBC Royal Bank Grand Prix for the second year in a row on Saturday, July 5, during the RBC Ottawa Summer Tournament I at Wesley Clover Parks in Ottawa, ON.

Riding Phil v/h Wezelse Heihoeve, Arcand was the final rider to jump clear in the first round over the course designed by Meghan Rawlins of Victoria, BC.  Six others had gone clear before him, bringing the total number of jump-off contenders to seven.

Sam Pegg of Uxbridge, ON, was the pathfinder for the jump-off, setting the early target with a clear round in 47.87 seconds riding Casadimo, his 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Cachas x Cassini II).  While François Lamontagne of Saint-Eustache, QC, riding Lacros VDL and two-time Canadian Olympian Amy Millar of Perth, ON, aboard Jagger HX managed to better Pegg’s time significantly, both did so at the expense of a rail for four faults.

As the final jump-off contender, Arcand had the final say.  A clear and controlled round in a time of 46.40 seconds moved him to the top of the leaderboard.

“I was lucky to go last because that’s always an advantage,” said Arcand of successfully defending his title.  “Some of the riders went fast in the beginning, but they had rails.  Coming in last, I knew the leading time was achievable for me.  I’m normally not nervous but this time I had time to think – don’t screw it up!”

Arcand purchased Phil v/d Wezelse Heihoeve, a Belgian Warmblood stallion (Cornet Obolensky x Mr. Blue), as a seven-year-old.  With time and patience, the pair have formed a strong partnership that continues to grow now that the horse is 10.
“I always knew he was going to be better the older he gets,” said Arcand.  “He’s such a careful horse, and he was timid.  Now I’m getting to know every part of him.  I thought last year was an amazing year but, so far, this year has been even better!”

It’s been a banner week for Arcand at the RBC Ottawa Summer Tournament I.  In addition to defending his title in the $40,000 RBC Royal Bank Grand Prix, he and “Phil” also won Thursday’s $15,000 Open Welcome for the second consecutive year.

“He’s always a good horse but he’s a better horse on this field, for sure,” said Arcand, 35, of jumping on the expansive grass arena at Wesley Clover Parks.  “It’s been my best week of the year.  I really love the grass.  It’s the only place we have to jump on the grass.  There’s Spruce Meadows, but unless you have the horses to jump the big classes or you’re on the Canadian team, it’s a long way to go, especially when you’re running your business at home.  We are happy to have Ottawa because we have a grass field that is amazing.

“Especially after this win, I want to say that we really worked together with the farrier, veterinarian, and groom,” acknowledged Arcand.  “It was teamwork and I’m very happy with the results.  When you have a strong team, that’s what makes the difference.”

With two wins under their belt so far this season, Arcand and “Phil” will be hoping to extend their winning streak during the RBC Ottawa Summer Tournament II running July 9 to 13.  Arcand is the defending champion of the $40,000 Cooper Equipment Rentals Grand Prix, scheduled for 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 12.

Following the RBC Ottawa Summer Tournament II, international show jumping competition returns to Wesley Clover Parks from August 14-17 with the RBC Ottawa International, featuring CSI5* and CSI2* divisions sanctioned by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI).  Attracting some of the highest-ranked show jumping athletes in the world to the Nation’s Capital, the RBC Ottawa International will feature the US $340,000 CSI5* RBC Grand Prix on Saturday, August 16.

Adding to the excitement of the Ottawa International, the Spurs & Sparkles Gala, presented by RBC, will be held on Wednesday, August 13.  Benefitting the Queensway Carleton Hospital Foundation, Spurs & Sparkles offers one-of-a-kind entertainment, incredible prizes, and local craft beverages paired with delectable food from the city’s best restaurants and vendors.  For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.spursandsparkles.com.

Spectator tickets are also available for the RBC Ottawa Summer Tournaments in July and RBC Ottawa International in August.  To purchase, visit www.ottawaequestriantournaments.com/spectators.

For those looking for a VIP hospitality experience, tables for the RBC Ottawa International are being offered at a 20% discount until July 14.  Visit https://www.ottawaequestriantournaments.com/hospitality for details.

For more information on the RBC Ottawa Equestrian Tournaments, visit www.OttawaEquestrianTournaments.com.  All competitor information is available at www.ottawaequestriantournaments.com/calendar and full results can be found at ottawa.showmanagementsystem.com/events.

Follow @ottawaequestriantournaments Instagram page as well as Facebook for exhibitor information, show updates, results, and more.

$40,000 RBC Royal Bank Grand Prix
Saturday, July 5, 2025

Rider / Hometown / Horse / Faults / Time

1.  David Arcand / Boisbriand, QC / Phil v/h Wezelse Heihoeve / 0:0 / 46.40
2.  Sam Pegg / Uxbridge, ON / Casadimo / 0:0 / 47.87
3.  Stephanie Bourassa / Laval, QC / Guss de Kergane / 0:0 / 50.93
4.  François Lamontagne / Saint-Eustache, QC / Lacros VDL / 0:4 / 42.90
5.  Amy Millar / Perth, ON / Jagger HX / 0:4 / 42.94
6.  Jade Lalonde / Candiac, QC / Kapital Creation Z / 0:4 / 48.04
7.  François Lamontagne / Saint-Eustache, QC / Thunderbird vh Scheefkasteel Z / 0:8 / 49.87
8.  Carson Lewis / Denfield, ON / King Kong B / 4
9.  Rachel Schnurr / Baden, ON / Copain de Picobello Z / 4
10.  Sam Pegg / Uxbridge, ON / Casey H / 4