The finale to the 2014 Spruce Meadows Summer Series, the ‘Pan American’ CSI 5* Tournament, runs July 10-13. With $664,500 in prize money to be awarded to the top riders in the world, the ‘Pan American’ Tournament will host six FEI sanctioned competitions, each offering FEI world ranking points. This week, the final showdown at Spruce Meadows will be the $400,000 Pan American Cup, presented by ROLEX. Last year’s Pan American Cup champion Conor Swail (IRL) returns to compete, after an exciting 2014 ‘North American’ Tournament. Darragh Kenny (IRL) will also be one to watch, as he has achieved an impressive eight FEI victories thus far in the Spruce Meadows Summer Series. Also included amongst riders to watch this week, are McLain Ward (USA), Jaime Azcarraga (MEX), and Kent Farrington (USA) who have all scored victories throughout the Spruce Meadows Summer Series. The Pan American Cup, presented by ROLEX will serve as a qualifier event for possible team selection for the 2014 World Equestrian Games. The 2014 FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) are to be held in Normandy, France August 23rd – September 07th. Athletes can also gain the required “Certificate of Capability” to compete at the World Equestrian Games. For this week, the FEI sanctioned competitions are featured on the famous Meadows on the Green Ring. The Meadows on the Green Ring offers a unique setting and viewing lines, bringing the spectators and our corporate guests closer to the action in an amphitheatre type of setting. The ‘Pan American’ tournament also provides the Junior/Amateur riders a final opportunity this summer to shine at Spruce Meadows. Four of the Spruce Meadows grass arenas will be hosting competitions for less experienced riders, and will continue to challenge both the athletes and horses. Derby competitions using the water jumps, the devil’s dyke, the table top and natural obstacles are featured in the All Canada Ring, as well as the in the North American Ring. The fifth and final Y2 Junior Rider Award, sponsored by Bretton and Kara Chad will be presented on Sunday, prior to the start of the Pan American Cup on the Meadows on the Green Ring. Throughout the Spruce Meadows Summer Series, five junior riders will have received $3,000 each for the further development of their equestrian career. Each tournament winner has received a cooler, a personal trophy and their name on the Y2 Junior Rider Award perpetual trophy.
