Source: News Release
(SPRUCE MEADOWS, Calgary, AB): The CSIO 5* Spruce Meadows “Masters” Tournament was kicked off today with Media Day. Local, National, and International media were invited to have a preview of the week ahead, which will be busy with sport, commerce, and entertainment.
Spruce Meadows has been celebrating its 35th anniversary this season and it is all cumulating at the $2 million “Masters” Tournament. The lower Plaza redevelopment, All Canada Ring walkway, and parking lot development have all been completed for the fans, athletes, media, and sponsors to enjoy over the next five days of tournament.
With so many projects recently completed the attention now turns to sport. Many former and current, World, World Cup and Olympic Champions will be competing for the over $2 million in prize money over the next five days.
Saturday’s feature event, the BMO Nations’ Cup, has been supported by BMO since 1977. Over the years there have been many champions of the coveted event, including returning champions the Netherlands. With eight of show jumping’s super power teams vying for the title it is going to be a great day for top sport.
The 2010 “Masters” Tournament comes to a close on Sunday with the $1 million CN International Grand Prix. The 2007 champion and Olympic Gold Medalist Eric Lamaze, is gunning for top spot. A win for Lamaze will also mean a $450,000 bonus as a part of the $1 million CN Precision Series. Lamaze won two legs over the Summer Series and with a win on Sunday he will be the first person to win three of the four legs in the history of the series.
The week is setting up to be memorable in sport, commerce, and entertainment. The Celle Stallions, which represent the original bloodlines of the Spruce Meadows horse program, the Hannoverian, return to the International Ring. Theirs will be a demonstration of both horsemanship and athleticism.
For those looking to shop the Equi-Fair hosts a variety of vendors, both equine and other. There will be daily fashion shows, presentations, and valuable information on many of the breeds competing at Spruce Meadows in both show jumping and the TELUS Battle of the Breeds.
The 35th anniversary celebration continues at Spruce Meadows over the next five days with the CSIO 5* Spruce Meadows “Masters” Tournament. Competition begins tomorrow in the International Ring at 12:45 pm with the AKITA Drilling Cup and is followed by the Finning Welcome.
