They were first to enter the ring for the class.
Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA) and Hard'rock AF captured Thursday's opening five-star competition, topping the $32,000 CSI5*-W Brickenden Trophy.
First to enter the ring for the class, the pair set a standard that couldn't be matched, crossing the timers of Bernardo Costa Cabral's (POR) 1.50m speed track in 53.06 seconds. A pair of Irish riders made up the remainder of the podium, with reigning Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Toronto Champions Conor Swail and Casturano second (53.24 seconds), followed by Daniel Coyle and VDL Mourinho (54.35s).
Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA) and Hard'rock AF. All photos by Ben Radvanyi Photography
Pessoa and Hard'rock AF, a 9-year-old Selle Francais gelding, have only been partnered about six months; Thursday's victory marked the first individual win of their partnership in international competition.
Full Results: https://www.longinestiming.com/equestrian/2026/royal-agricultural-winter-fair-toronto/resultlist_128.html
SOURCE The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
