**Scroll down for highlights from today’s competitions**
July 5, 2024 (Spruce Meadows) — The warm weather has finally arrived just in time for the Spruce Meadows Summer Series’ hottest weekend event, as we get set for a number of thrilling ‘North American’ tournament competitions with a total prize pot of $1.25million CAD.
First up tomorrow, our own Super Saturday starts with the AKITA Drilling Cup 1.50m winning round.
A spectacular display will follow, from 12:30pm, with a Feu De Joie 50-rifle salute and Military Tattoo on the International Ring.
Then, in the afternoon, 40 of the world’s top horse-rider pairings will face off in this season’s biggest Grand Prix, the ATCO Queen Elizabeth II Cup 1.60m.
Sunday kicks off with the Kubota Cup 1.45m highspeed event, followed, once again, by a stunning military performance.
Then, the most daring of riders will take off in the super-popular Sun Life Derby, featuring steep banks, a water jump, and the infamous Devil’s Dyke, making its only competition appearance this summer.
PLUS, Sunday afternoon will feature the debut of our glamourous new derby-side event Huntley Oaks, soon to be known as the gathering of the year for those looking for a little high-fashion, and a lot of fun.
The gorgeous, vast Spruce Meadows grounds will be buzzing with loads of features for families including: music, performances, shopping, adorable animals, kids’ activities, tasty food, delicious drinks, and so much more.
Amazingly, general admission tickets start at just $10 for access to all of this.
For complete results from today visit: sprucemeadows.com/live/
The Jewel of the Nayel: Gelding Esi Ali gifts Egypt’s Nayel Nassar a stunning victory in tonight’s ATCO Cup 1.50m, ahead of tomorrow’s Grand Prix, where 2023 ATCO Queen Elizabeth II Cup winner Nassar will defend his title. Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk
Nayel Nassar (EGY) told how he will confidently stride into tomorrow’s ATCO Queen Elizabeth II Cup Grand Prix with Capital Night Star to defend his 2023 title, following a win tonight in the ATCO Cup 1.50m with Esi Ali.
Speaking at the Spruce Meadows Media press conference, Nassar, 33, said: “I’m really looking forward to tomorrow.
“Winning breeds confidence. I’m obviously going on a different horse tomorrow, but, still, to go out in the ring like that tonight, and be able to pull out a result the day before the Grand Prix is definitely confidence boosting.
“I’m definitely very excited to defend my title.”
Tonight’s ATCO Cup 1.50m victory echoes another win last month in the ‘National’, presented by Rolex, where Nassar and Linguini De La Pomme took the ATCO Cup 1.45m.
Seems like Nassar finds there is something energizing about ATCO competitions…
Daddy Does It Again: Patricio Pasquel (MEX) and Gazelle Sm nab the 1.45m McNerney Cup, beating nephew Francisco Pasquel Vega (MEX), and son, Patricio Pasquel Poo (MEX), who finished 17th and 18th, with their horses Lima and Cabablue. All three family members will face off again tomorrow in the ATCO Queen Elizabeth II Cup Grand Prix. Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk
How Do You Like Them Apples: The Orchard Ring saw Alejandro Karolyi (VEN) and Coup De Coeur secure the Friends of the Meadows 1.40m this morning. Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk
Lusse Cannon: Tanimara Maria Macari Carrillo (MEX) sails over the rails aboard Febvre De Lusse in the Friends of the Meadows 1.30m. Spruce Meadows Media/Tony Lewis
Pocket Rocket: Calgary’s Jacqueline Chawke and Wrenwood Polly Pocket capture the Friends of the Meadows Jr/Am 1.30m. Spruce Meadows Media/Tony Lewis
High Flyer: James Brennan (IRL) and WT Lakota soar to victory in the 1.20m Trimac Cup. Spruce Meadows Media/Dave Chidley
Doesn’t Miss A Beat: Elizabeth Grace Thomassin, from Westmount, QC, and Davidguetta De Circee land the 1.20m Jr/Am Trimac Cup. Spruce Meadows Media/Dave Chidley
Spreading Her Wings: Mya Viczko, from Moose Jaw, SK, and Kannan You Two nail a butterfly jump to win the 1.10m Trimac Cup. Spruce Meadows Media/Dave Chidley
Focussed: Nyomi Yzreman, from Blackfalds, AB, and Cayshi Z take the 1.00m Trimac Cup. Spruce Meadows Media/Dave Chidley