September 10, 2004 – Calgary, Alberta – Six of the strongest show jumping nations in the world are set to compete in the prestigious BMO Financial Group Nations’ Cup at the Spruce Meadows “Masters” Tournament on Saturday, September 11, 2004, in Calgary, AB. Offering $250,000 in prize money, the BMO Financial Group Nations’ Cup is one of the most lucrative prizes in team show jumping.

“BMO is proud to support Spruce Meadows as it hosts another impressive roster of the top international teams,” says William Downe, Deputy Chair, BMO Financial Group. “All six nations that are competing this year are capable of winning, once again making the BMO Financial Group Nations’ Cup one of the most exciting competitive events in the world of show jumping.”

Fresh from his eighth Olympic appearance, a record for any Canadian athlete, Ian Millar will anchor the Canadian team of Harold Chopping, Jill Henselwood and Eric Lamaze. While Canada has yet to win the BMO Financial Group Nations’ Cup at the Spruce Meadows “Masters” Tournament, the Canadian Team defeated five other countries in March to win the Nations’ Cup in Wellington, FL. The Canadian Show Jumping Team is now more determined than ever to repeat this victory on their home turf.

The competition will be fierce with the German team, the defending champions of the BMO Financial Group Nations’ Cup, as the biggest potential threat. Having just claimed Olympic Gold for the third time in a row, the team is anchored by Ludger Beerbaum, arguably the most competitive rider in the world.

The United States will also be hungry for a win. Last capturing the BMO Financial Group Nations’ Cup in 2002 after finishing runner-up in 2001, the United States claimed the Team Silver Medal at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, proving themselves more than capable against the best in the world. With Beezie Madden, the number one ranked female rider in the world on their side, the door is wide open for an American victory.

Having won the BMO Financial Group Nations’ Cup a record ten times, Great Britain will be striving to make it eleven this year. A crowd favourite, Great Britain will field a mixed team of veterans and young stars comprised of Mark Armstrong, Nick Skelton, Scott Smith and Robert Smith. Having last laid claim to the Nations’ Cup in 1996, anything is possible.

Belgium, anchored by Jos Lansink, will be looking for its first win in the coveted BMO Financial Group Nations’ Cup while two-time winners, the Netherlands, will be hoping to make it number three.

The BMO Financial Group Nations’ Cup will be broadcast live on CBC immediately following World Cup hockey on September 11.

As the founding sponsor of Spruce Meadows, BMO Financial Group has a long and proud history of supporting equestrian sport in Canada. Since 1977, BMO has sponsored the BMO Financial Group Nations’ Cup at Spruce Meadows, attracting the top international show jumping teams to compete in Canada.

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PHOTOGRAPH
“Ian Millar will lead the Canadian Show Jumping Team in the $250,000 BMO Financial Group Nations' Cup on Saturday, September 10, at the Spruce Meadows "Masters" Tournament in Calgary, AB.”
Photo Credit – Cealy Tetley