A Three-Way tie for first in the ATCO Electric Six Bar
Jens Fredrickson (SWE), Kyle King (USA) & Brian Morton (CAN)
© Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk

WestJet Evening of the Horse 

Spruce Meadows (September 9, 2022) - The ATCO Electric Six Bar is a fan favourite event on Friday of the Spruce Meadows 'Masters'. The "high jump" for horses competition had eight entered, including defending champion, Brian Morton (CAN). In the first round, all eight entries made it through without touching a rail, including the final fence which was set at 1.70m. By the end of round three, Max Kuhner (AUT), Rowan Willis (AUS) and Pius Schwizer (SUI) were no longer in the running for top spot. Round four had the final fence at a height of 1.90m and two more riders unable to complete the task.

The final round, with a final fence height of 1.95m, had three riders up to the task. Defending champion Brian Morton (CAN) , Jens Fredrickson (SWE) and Kyle King (USA). Each of the three riders soared over the final fence to tie for first. Fans were then treated to a top level dressage demonstration by Ryan Torkkeli (CAD) and Pia Fortmuller (CAD) under the lights followed by a drone show.

 McLain Ward (USA) & HH Azur © Spruce Meadows Media/Dave Chidley

The Tourmaline Oil Cup 1.60m was the final competition, for athletes not competing in the BMO Nations' Cup, to qualify for the the CP 'International', presented by Rolex on Sunday. Over 50 competitors stepped through the iconic Clock Tower onto the International Ring to take on the challenging track designed by FEI Course Designer Leopoldo Palacios (VEN). Over the track with 12 obstacles (15 efforts), only six of athletes, representing six nations, passed all the tests to advance to the jump off. Today, victory belonged to the United States. Veteran rider McLain Ward aboard his championship horse, HH Azur, were in top form. The pair sailed over the final fence in a time of 40.74s and could not be caught. 

"It is exactly what you expect at Spruce Meadows. Leopoldo (Palacios) has to deal with the top horses and riders in the world." McLain Ward (USA) on coming and competing at the Spruce Meadows 'Masters'.  

Natalie Dean (USA) & Cocolina win the Enbridge CSI3* Grand Prix
© Spruce Meadows Media/Jack Cusano

Natalie Dean (USA) wins the Enbridge CSI3* Grand Prix

This afternoon on the International Ring the top riders out of the 'Masters' CSI3* competed in their final event of the week, the Enbridge CSI3* Grand Prix 1.50m. Seventeen riders were challenged by the 480m track that consisted of 12 obstacles (14 jumping efforts) that needed to be completed in a time of 77 seconds or less. Only two riders passed that test, the first of which was Natalie Dean (USA) who was also first into the ring of the first round. Aboard her winning mount Cocolina (the pair picked up a win yesterday in the All Canada Ring), they laid down an unbeatable clear round in a time of 37.73s

Shauna Cook (CAN) & Caya© Spruce Meadows Media/Tony Lewis

Two competitions took place on the All Canada Ring this morning, the Phillips, Hager & North Cup 1.40m, and the Township Planning & Design Cup 1.30m. Both were jump off competitions and today both victories belonged to Canada. Shauna Cook (CAN) & Caya jumped to their second victory of the 'Masters' Tournament in the Phillips, Hager & North Cup 1.40m and Team Spruce Meadows rider, Brian Morton (CAN) and Firefly W took the victory in the Township Planning & Design Cup 1.30m.

Brian Morton (CAN) is congratulated by Kristi Beunder, Principal, Township Planning & Design on his victory© Spruce Meadows Media/Tony Lewis

A Weekend of Fun

The Spruce Meadows 'Masters' has something for everyone. In addition to top international show jumping, spectators and fans alike are able to enjoy shopping over 70 vendors and original fine art, equine inspired demonstrations, FireFit Championships, live music, entertainment and pageantry throughout the week*. The grounds have been decorated to the nines with classic cars and carriages, fresh cut flowers from Holland and photo op spaces for all those Instagram worthy moments.

Navin Arora, Executive Vice President, TELUS Business Solutions and his wife Pooja met the foals with their newly chosen names from the 2022 Name the Foal, presented by TELUS contest© Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk

 The Horizon's Pavilion will host a Gin Bar surrounded by artists and their original fine art while the Equi-Plex will feature a unique shopping experience and the Skyline Lounge  - both locations will be open daily throughout the 'Masters'.A number of demonstrations will be taking place throughout the week including dressage demonstrations by Canadian Dressage CDI winners Ryan Torkkeli and Pia Fortmuller and vaulting demonstrations by Diamond Willow Vaulting Club.

Brian Morton (CAN) defends his title of the ATCO Electric Six Bar in a tie for first © Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk

Visit the WestJet International Plaza and celebrate ATCO's 75th Anniversary in their ATCO pavilion stocked with family friendly activities including the Winds of Time Booth. You'll find the TELUS Pavilion right next door where a donation to the Future is Friendly Foundation will get you this year's TELUS Pony (stuffed animal).

An enthusiastic fan has Amy and Ian Millar sign her cheeks during the BMO Nations' Cup Team Autograph signing© Spruce Meadows Media/Dave Chidley

Up in the Founders Plaza you'll find more shopping and the Rolex Grand Slam Experience Booth. Check out historic memorabilia from Grand Slam Grand Prix winners, ride the CP 'International', presented by Rolex using virtual reality or jump into the photo booth and make your own "Grand Slam" moment.