July 4, 2005 – Blainville, Quebec – The 17th annual CSI-W Blainville Jumping International, held July 6-10 at Blainville Equestrian Park located just north of Montreal, Quebec, is shaping up to be one of the best ever.

Five days of world-class show jumping competition will culminate with Sunday’s $65,000 Grand Prix Jumping du Quebec World Cup Qualifier, one of eight World Cup Qualifiers to be held across Canada. Last year’s champion, Eric Flameng of Belgium, will be back to defend his title. Flameng enjoyed a successful winter campaigning in Wellington, FL, and made his World Cup Final debut in Las Vegas in April riding Roxanne. The pair will face stiff competition from Canada’s Ainsley Vince, a three-time World Cup Finalist. The 28-year-old who hails from Milton, ON, claimed the Blainville Grand Prix title in 2003 with her veteran partner, Catch 22, and last year finished as the runner-up riding Uno.

Challenging Flameng and Vince for this year’s victory will be riders from around the globe, including American challenger, Chris Kappler of New Jersey. The Team Gold and Individual Silver Medallist at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, Kappler will inject Blainville Equestrian Park with Olympic spirit.

Another American Olympic legend, Conrad Homfeld of New York will make his first appearance in Blainville as course designer. Having won the Individual Olympic Gold Medal in 1984, Homfeld knows first-hand what it takes to design a challenging Grand Prix course.

Over $160,000 in prize money is offered over the five days of competition. Other featured events include Thursday’s $2,500 Jump Canada National Talent Squad that puts the spotlight on future members of the Canadian Equestrian Team, the $20,000 Casino de Montreal Welcome Stake on Friday, and the $25,000 Challenge Desjardins Modified Grand Prix scheduled for Saturday afternoon.

The Classique Internationale de Blainville organizing committee, headed by President Jean-Pierre Arvisais and Event Manager Louise Thibault, will once again produce the popular equestrian competition. Last year’s investment in the grass footing in the Grand Prix Field, as well as the change to all-weather footing in the Laurentides Jumper Ring, met with rave reviews from the competitors.

Located just north of Montreal, Blainville Equestrian Park features a variety of attractions that ensure all family members enjoy their visit. For more information, including prize lists, please visit www.classiqueblainville.com or contact Blainville International at tel: (450) 434-8202, e-mail: classiqueblainville@videotron.ca.