The first of the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ charter aircraft is scheduled into YYC this afternoon (Saturday, August 31st , 2019 – 16:25 MT) with its precious cargo of international show jumpers. Sixty-one of the world’s best horses depart Liege, Belgium early Saturday morning aboard a Boeing 747-400 destined for Calgary.
Twenty-two countries will be represented at this year’s Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ CSIO 5* Tournament and ten of those countries competing for team glory in the prestigious BMO Nations’ Cup.
Included on the Charter’s cargo are the world’s best horses, The Rolex Grand Slam Trophy and tonnes of freshly cut flowers from Holland that will adorn the courses and the grounds during the ‘Masters’ Tournament. The total weight of the charter at lift off was 90,345 kg.
“The arrival of the charter really marks the start of the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ for our team, says Ian Allison, senior vice president. “It is a tremendous team effort to coordinate these flights each year. The professionals at YYC, CFIA and CBSA go to great lengths to make sure that horses arrive safely and rested. We are very lucky to have the expertise here in Calgary, as well as to have the International Animal Lounge facilities to welcome the horses.”
The 2019 Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ officially begins on September 4th and features the very best horses and riders in the world competing for over $ 4 million in prize money, as well as world leading FEI World Ranking points.
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