October 28, 2004 – Toronto, Ontario – The world’s top international show jumping competitors are headed to Toronto for the 2004 Royal Horse Show held November 5-14 at the National Trade Centre as part of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.

This year’s list of competitors reads like a ‘who’s who’ of international show jumping, including such famous names as Michael Whitaker and Nick Skelton of Great Britain, Eric van der Vleuten of The Netherlands, and Marcus Beerbaum, whose family name is synonymous with show jumping in Germany. Ireland will send one-half of its Athens Olympic Team in Kevin Babington and Jessica Kurten, while 2004 World Cup Finalist Yann Candele will represent France. Colombian Roberto Teran, who has spent the season competing in Canada with great success, will be looking to make his mark on the international show jumping scene.

The United States will be well represented by their top ranked riders, including Olympians Lauren Hough, Leslie Howard and McLain Ward. Kim Frey, Todd Minikus and Schuyler Riley will also be welcomed at this year’s Royal Horse Show.

“The Royal has a tradition of attracting the best international show jumping riders to compete at its world-class event, and 2004 is no exception,” notes Kim Philip, Chairman of the Royal Horse Show. “Amid all the horse sports that we offer, show jumping remains at the heart of the Royal Horse Show, and this year promises excitement for spectators and competitors alike.”

The sport will be at its best throughout the Royal Horse Show, which offers a total of $600,000 in prize money over the ten days of competition. Highlights include the $60,000 CN World Cup Grand Prix on Wednesday, November 10, and the grand finale, the $60,000 Ricoh ‘Big Ben Challenge’ Grand Prix on Saturday, November 13.

Of course, the International riders will face stiff competition from Canada’s finest, who will be showcased on Opening Weekend as they compete in the $70,000 Canadian Show Jumping Championships on Friday, November 5, and Saturday, November 6. Eric Lamaze will attempt to defend his title, while Ainsley Vince, a back-to-back winner in 2001 and 2002, may well prove to be his greatest obstacle. Ian Millar, fresh off a record eighth Olympic appearance in Athens, would love to set another Canadian record by winning the Canadian Show Jumping Championship crown for the ninth time in his career.

Tickets for all Royal Horse Show performances can be purchased through Ticketmaster at tel: 416 872-7777 or by visiting www.ticketmaster.ca. For more information on the Royal Horse Show, including complete schedules, please visit www.royalfair.org or call tel: 416 263-3400.