The CANA Cup has been part of the Spruce Meadows 'Masters' since the beginning. Top international riders such as Ian Millar (CAN), Hap Hansen (USA), Beezie Madden (USA) and Michael Whitaker (GBR) have all had their names etched into the historic trophy. Last year's winning, Nicola Philippaerts (BEL) and H&M Harley VD Bisschop (Dulf Van Den Bisschop x Coronado) looked for a repeat victory, but an unfortunate rail in round one would finish them in 9th place.

Of the 39 athletes who started the competition, only seven would make it into the jump-off - each representing a different nation. The riders were pushing hard for the win with only two clear jump-off rides produced. American rider Beezie Madden and Coach (Con Air x Corofino) set a fast clear time of 47.12, but Germany's Philipp Weishaupt was determined to win posting a final time of 46.95s aboard Sansibar 89 (Stakkato Gold x Wolkenstein II). Daniel Coyle (IRL) rounded out the top three placings as the fastest four-faulter with a time of 47.30s.

"If you want to be a great rider, you have to compete here (Spruce Meadows)," said Philipp Weishaupt after his win.

Earlier in the day, the ATCO Founders Classic (1.50m) took place and fifty-two horse-and-rider combinations challenged FEI Course Designer Leopoldo Palacios's (VEN) track on the International Ring. Of those 52 athletes only nine jumped clear first rounds to make it into the jump-off. Of the nine riders, four would carry the Canadian flag.

The pressure was on with this competition being the final qualifier for Saturday's Suncor Winning Round and no one was about to let up. Young Canadian, Kara Chad, stepped through the clock tower for her jump-off and was ready to give it her all. Posting a quick clear time of 37.87s - no one would be able to touch her and Viva (Now or Never M x Carbid). Canada would take a second win on day two of the 2018 Spruce Meadows 'Masters' Tournament, ahead of Ireland's Daniel Coyle on Farona (Baltic x Lux) and Germany's Marcus Ehning on Firth of Lorne (For Pleasure x Stakkato).

"To win at any Spruce Meadows Tournament is special, but for me it's really special as it's where I'm from," Kara Chad said about her first win at the Spruce Meadows 'Masters'.