April 22, 2018 
Let’s play a game we just invented: Can You Spot the Pattern!
In Ocala, Florida, last February, Ian Millar (CAN) produced one of only two double clears in the Longines FEI Nations’ Cup.
In Coapexpan, Mexico, this weekend, Jonathon Millar (CAN) produced one of only two double clears in the Longines FEI Nations’ Cup.
In Ocala, Team Canada won said Nations Cup, taking the lead in the 2108 North and Central America and Caribbean League. (Only two teams from the League qualify for the Final in Barcelona, Spain this fall.)
In Coapexpan, Team Canada won again, holding on to the lead in the North and Central America and Caribbean League.
In Ocala, Ian Millar split the new €50,000 bonus on offer this season for double clear performances in a Nations Cup. (Fellow Canadian Eric Lamaze took the other half.)
In Coapexpan, Jonathon Millar took home 50% of the €50,000 bonus. (USA’s Alex Granato produced the only other double clear aboard Carlchen W.)
Suffice it to say, Team Canada repeated its winning formula to capture the second leg of the North and Central America and Caribbean League in Coapexpan, Mexico this weekend.
Represented by Laura Jane Tidball, in her team debut, Jenn Serek, Millar and Keean White, the Canadians took the early lead, finishing the first round on a score of eight, ahead of the American’s on nine and Mexico’s 21.
In the second round, Granato led off Team USA with a clear, but a rail each from teammates Kelly Soleau-Millar and Ali Wolff and a pair of rails from Jennifer Gates gave them 17 points on the scoreboard. The Canadians returned with a single rail each from Tidball and Serek. Millar’s clear kept their total to 16, which meant anchor rider White didn’t have to compete in the final round.
“I was brought up on Nations Cups and Championships being such a big part of [my father’s] success, and it has rubbed off on me, knowing that being there for the team is more important than winning the Grand Prix. So when it all comes together like it did today then it’s a really great thing!” said Millar.
The 43-year-old rider was understandably delighted by his mount, Daveau. The 10-year-old gelding has been in his string since age six and made his Nations Cup debut last month in Wellington, FL where he jumped clear with a single time fault.
“He’s just starting his international career, this is the first show he’s gone to on a plane, and he handled it like an old pro. I couldn’t be prouder of his results and how well he is stepping up and doing his job,” he continued.
“He looks easy-going, but he has a little fire to him. He is very smart and wants to jump clean. He is always fighting to accomplish his job and that gives you a lot of confidence going in the ring. It’s a wonderful feeling.”
With one leg remaining, Canada leads the North and Central America and Caribbean League on 200 points. USA sits in second with 165 points and Mexico, third with 135 points. The final leg will take place in Langley, BC in June.
Can Canada make it a sweep this season?
