Wednesday marked the start of competition at the 2018 Spruce Meadows 'Masters' CSIO5* Tournament for athletes from around the world. Fifty-six riders representing eighteen nations are represented this year in the FEI Divisions competing in the International Ring.

The opening competition, the Telus Cup (1.50m), featured 56 horse/rider combinations to take on the the track a designed by two time Olympic FEI Course Designer Leopoldo Palacios (VEN). Of the original 56 combinations to take on the track, only 11 would complete the first round with no faults and proceed into the jump off.

Conor Swail (IRL) was first out of the starting blocks and laid down a fast clean jump off with a time of 42.06s. With only two left to go, Swail still held the score to beat. France's Cedric Angot stepped into the ring looking to change that. His fast Selle Francais gelding Talent des Moitiers (Joyau de Bloye x Plein d'Espoir V) cleared the final fence laying down the winning time of 40.96s.

"I am very happy" Cedric Angot (FRA) on his win in the Telus Cup.

The AKITA Drilling Cup (1.60m) kicked off the big tour for the 2018 Spruce Meadows 'Masters' CSIO5* Tournament. Thirty-five top international horse/rider combinations took on the challenge and after the completion of round one, only six would jump clear to proceed to the jump off.

Sameh el Dahan (EGY) posted a quick jump off time of 35.67s that held up for a few horses, but fan favorite Eric Lamaze (CAN) and Chacco Kid (Chacco-Blue x Come On) were flying over the last fence with a time of 35.32s. Steve Gurdat (SUI) pushed for the win, however an unfortunate slip on the turn back to the last line would have him slide into second place with a time of 35.53s. The top three placings all within tenths of a second from each other, but Canada would take the win.

"The Summer Series at Spruce Meadows makes horses better, makes riders better, he's (Chacco Kid) proof of that" - Eric Lamaze (CAN) on his win with Chacco Kid.