“Bromont is a lovely area, the show grounds are gorgeous — to be able to go out and walk around the lake and look over the cross-country course, it’s beautiful,” commented McDermott.
July 31, 2026 - BROMONT, QC - Ireland’s Cian McDermott and Killer Queen produced the only double clear round Thursday, July 30, to secure their victory in the International Bromont II’s Cofina Open Welcome.
Taking on Michel Vaillancourt’s course, fifteen horse and rider combinations started the class but only three jumped clean to advance to the second round.
Cian McDermott (IRL) and Killer Queen B win the International Bromont II Cofina Open Welcome at the Bromont Olympic Equestrian Park © Kim van Gysel/Equishot photo.
First in the order, Cian McDermott and Therese Bentley’s Killer Queen B, a 2015 KWPN mare, kept the pressure rising with a flawless second round in a tight time of 39.730 seconds. Second in the ring, Quebec Katerine Drapeau and her own Freestyle du Shamrock, a 2016 Selle Français gelding by President, had a rail down. All eyes turned to the last pair: Quebec’s François Lamontagne riding Dulliard Inc.’s Coulio HDS, a Quebec born and bred Holsteiner gelding by Cabardino. They caught the time at 38.780 seconds but unfortunately, a rail down prevented their win.
Winner Cian McDermott made the trip from Pennsylvania to Bromont for many reasons, and his win makes it even sweeter.
Sonya Thayer of Cofina presented to Cian McDermott following the Cofina Open Welcome. © Equishot photo
“Bromont is a lovely area, the show grounds are gorgeous — to be able to go out and walk around the lake and look over the cross-country course, it’s beautiful,” commented McDermott. “The people are nice, the restaurants are good. It’s like a working holiday. It’s not at all your typical horse show. We always have it on the calendar.
"Because it’s Michel (Vaillancourt) building the courses, you know the time allowed will be a bit tight. This wasn’t too bad, we just stayed on a gallop the whole way. The jump-off included nice open long gallops which is perfect for my mare. She’s a big horse and she loves the big arena here in Bromont. I decided I would go for a clean round and just hope for the best and hope the others coming behind me would make a mistake.”
The Team Challenge goes Sunday! © Equishot photo.
Olympic 1976 silver medalist Michel Vaillancourt is back in Bromont to present the riders with challenging jumping courses to test their skills and speed. Competition highlights include the Assante Wealth Management Group El-Chaer Grand Prix on Saturday August 1; the Défi Bromont and the fun and family-friendly Team Challenge on Sunday, August 2. Admission (parking) is $10 per car.
Savannah Matthews places first in International Bromont II CET Medal
The Canadian Equestrian Team medal, an equitation competition for young riders designed to provide skill-building foundations for the next generation of Canadian athletes, concluded its International Bromont II qualifier on Friday July 31. Twelve horse and rider combinations were on the start order, but the victory went to Savannah Matthews riding her own Silavsco Keizersberg, a 2019 Zangersheide gelding by Scotch on Ice. Second place went to Emma Levesque and her own Chevalier de Vivario Z, a 2014 Zangersheide gelding by Cascor Z. Podium was completed by last week winner, Amelie Grondines and her Perfect Partner, a 2014 Selle Luxembourgeois by Beaulieu’s Quissini.
Cian McDermott (IRL) et Killer Queen B remportent l’épreuve de bienvenue Cofina de l’International Bromont II au Parc équestre olympique de Bromont © Equishot photo
Results – Cofina Open Welcome
1. Cian McDermott, Ireland, & Killer Queen B 0-0, 39.370
2. François Lamontagne, St-Eustache, QC & Coulio HDS 0-4, 38.780
3. Katrine Drapeau, Chambly, QC & Freestyle du Shamrock 0-4, 40.870
4. Emy Descoteaux, Mercier, QC & Gabylanda VDM 2, 77.120
5. Adrien Lemieux, Granby, QC & Impec Champeix 4, 68.990
6. François Lamontagne, St-Eustache, QC & Safari VH Reukenis 4, 73.010
For complete results, visit www.showmanagementsystem.com
Results – CET Medal
1. Savannah Matthews, Athens, ON & Silavsco Keizersberg
2. Emma Levesque, Laval, QC & Chevalier de Vivario Z
3. Amelie Grondines, St-Bruno, QC & Perfect Partner
For complete results, visit www.showmanagementsystem.com
About International Bromont
One of the oldest hunter/jumper shows in Quebec, International Bromont is running its 2026 edition from July 22nd to August 2nd and will welcome nearly 500 horses per week over two exciting weeks of world-class competition at the historic Bromont Olympic Equestrian Park. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.parcequestreolympiquebromont.org.
Bromont International is supported by: Tim Hortons, Assante Wealth Management El Chaer Group, COFINA, Bruno Delgrange, Ville de Bromont, Government of Quebec, Thule, Bessette, Omega Alpha, Engel and Volkers, IGA, Jackie & Co.
Source: Michelle Dunn Media