As the Spruce Meadows Masters was in full swing, organizers announced on Sept. 6 that Canadian Pacific will be taking over from CN as the title sponsor for the Spruce Meadows highlight grand prix at the Masters in 2014. The Canadian Pacific International will feature a $1.5 million CAD purse (about $1.44 million in U.S. dollars).

The three-year commitment by CP to Spruce Meadows includes title sponsorship of the Canadian Pacific World Grand Prix, which is the signature event at the Spruce Meadows Continental Tournament each June and the Canadian Pacific International. The Canadian Pacific International will offer the largest prize money offered for a single-day event in show jumping, raising the ‘Masters’ Tournament to the richest event of its kind in the world.

“Spruce Meadows and the Canadian Pacific brand share a common history dating back nearly 40 years,” said Spruce Meadows President Linda Southern-Heathcott. “In fact, CP is a cherished and founding corporate brand that has had a significant presence at Spruce Meadows since its very first tournament in June of 1976.”

“We are proud to be returning as a corporate sponsor at Spruce Meadows,” said E. Hunter Harrison, Canadian Pacific’s Chief Executive Officer. “CP is in the midst of its transformational journey to once again becoming the best railroad in North America. Part of that change is recognizing that giving back to communities and organizations such as Spruce Meadows is also good for business.

“Prior to the start of the 2014 competition season, CP will be announcing a new charitable component of this sponsorship which will raise money for a local charity,” added Harrison. “I’d like to thank the Southern Family for agreeing to work with us on this.”