From 2021 Spruce Meadows ‘National’ to CSI 5* ‘Masters’

The fifth and final day at the 2021 Spruce Meadows ‘National’ CSI 5* presented by Rolex has reached its end in Alberta. Riders prepare for the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ CSIO 5*, the event that is part of the Show jumping Rolex Grand Slam. 

Competition this past weekend saw 21 horse and rider combinations take on the FEI course designed by Anthony D'ambrosio with 13 obstacles and 16 jumping efforts before only 8 moved on to the jump-off. 

The winners were Tiffany Foster (CAN) with Brighton Soar who won their second victory in the September Series. In second place Kara Chad (CAN) performed brilliantly, with great rounds from Rowan Willis (AUS), and Beezie Madden (USA) amongst others. 

The ATCO Classic marked the second win of Foster at the tournament as she won with Brighton Soar at the RBC Capital Markets Cup earlier on this week. Foster is very fond of his gelding, as he commented: “He’s fifteen years old, and I like to go into those kinds of things, you know, not digging too hard on him, and making sure that he has a great time every time.”

Nayel Nassar unstoppable in Spruce Meadows

In the CNOOC International Cup, Olympian Nayel Nassar (EGY) and Igor Van de Wittermoere won the competition. With only 0.24 seconds separation at the top three placings, Nayel Nassar was untouchable after his clear round with a time of 38.58 seconds. Connor Swail (IRL) and Erynn Ballard (CAN) were extremely close to beating his score.

“We really had such a strong field of riders today, they really kept me sweating right up until the last one jumped the last fence,”-Nayel Nassar. 

Horses will now be taking a few days of rest before the FEI ‘Masters’ starts on Wednesday. The CSIO 5* begins the 8th of September  in Calgary, Alberta. It grasps the attention of the entire world as the world’s top jumpers participate. Competition will take place from Wednesday to Sunday in the attempt to win one of the world’s most exclusive show jumping events. 

The total prize-money at the CSIO Spruce Meadows Masters is 4.1 million Canadian dollars. Also coming up soon, the CSIO Aachen later on this month is also part of the famous Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. Other events of the Grand Slam that stand at the top of equestrian sports include the CHI Geneva and The Dutch Masters.