It’s as much about anticipation as it is about expectation. That is what hangs in the air, like a morning mist, on opening day of the “Masters.” Welcome to one of the world’s largest tournaments. Welcome to the world’s best show jumpers. Welcome to the world’s best fans, welcome the world’s media, welcome the breeds represented in the TELUS Battle of the Breeds.
From the Mercedes-Benz Evening of the Horse with its night sky ablaze with fireworks, to the team spirit of the BMO Nations’ Cup, to the speed and excitement of the SUNCOR Winning Round and of course the tension-filled and packed stands of the $1 million CN International, the “Masters” is an autumn equine cavalcade of diverse cultures, supreme athletes and top prize money. Only at Spruce Meadows do the three converge to make for a show jumping spectacle like no other.
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Last year’s CN International, the final event of the Spruce Meadows’ FEI season, was a study of great expectations and the unpredictable. The collective groan from the record crowd told the story, signaling a dramatic change from only a minute earlier when applause filled the arena as Canada’s Eric Lamaze rode on course. History was well on its way to being written. Lamaze seemed on track to be the first rider to win three legs of the CN Precision Series. He was about to collect the sport’s biggest pay cheque ever in a single day.
He returns to the Spruce Meadows “Masters” as the number one ranked rider in the world, looking to lead Team Canada against nine other show jumping super powers while also intent on winning his second CN International. “When you’re riding the best horse in the world it’s hard not to feel a certain confidence”, said Lamaze immediately following his historic fourth win in the ATCO Power Queen Elizabeth II Cup at Spruce Meadows in July. The reigning Olympic Champion passed the $3 million mark in Spruce Meadows career earnings with the win.
There’s good reason why over 200,000 people are expected to converge on the magnificent Spruce Meadows grounds from September 7-11. Simply put, the world of the horse awaits! .
