Spruce Meadows is moving into the final week of the 2009 Summer Series with the “North American” Tournament. The $1 million five day tournament will feature top Canadian and international riders.
Competition moves back onto the Spruce Meadows International Ring tomorrow for the first time in three weeks. The grass and footing have had time to recuperate and athletes are itching to get back into action on the big ring in front of a stadium of fans.
The first 3 weeks of the Spruce Meadows Summer Series saw record numbers through the gates and with more beautiful weather on the radar it should be another great week for spectators, fans, media and sponsors.
The week’s feature competitions will be hi-lighted by the $200,000 ATCO Power Queen Elizabeth II Cup and the $175,000 Mercedes-Benz Classic Derby.
The ATCO Power Queen Elizabeth II Cup also serves as the third leg of the $1 million CN Precision Series. Both Ian Millar (CAN) and Beezie Madden (USA) are in play for a $50,000 bonus should they win on Saturday. Standing in their way will be defending champion, Eric Lamaze (CAN) and his gold medal Olympic mount, Hickstead.
The Mercedes-Benz Classic will be the final event of the 2009 Spruce Meadows “North American” Tournament. Canada’s John Anderson will return to the ring to defend his title. He will face off against last year’s runner up Mario Deslauriers. Deslauriers is also coming of a win in the Nexen Cup Derby at the “National” Tournament. Beezie Madden will be riding in her final Spruce Meadows Derby with her great stallion Judgement. Madden hopes the last derby ride will be a winning one for her and Judgment.
Competition takes place daily from Wednesday July 1 until Sunday July 5 on the Spruce Meadows International Ring. The $1 million “North American” Tournament will be the final tournament of the 2009 Spruce Meadows Summer Series.
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