July 4, 2006 – Blainville, Quebec – The world's best show jumping athletes will converge in Blainville, QC, from July 5-9 for the 18th edition of the CSI-W Blainville Jumping International.

One of the longest running international equestrian competitions in all of Canada, the Blainville Jumping International is a major stop on the Canadian show jumping circuit, and also serves as a World Cup Qualifying event, offering coveted World Cup points towards the 2007 World Cup Final in Las Vegas, USA.

Approximately 700 horses are expected to compete throughout the five-day tournament held at the Blainville Equestrian Park. A fabulous venue, excellent hospitality, and respected officials are just some of the reasons competitors are attracted to the Quebec sporting event. Over $170,000 in prize money serves as added incentive.

Sunday's $70,000 Grand Prix Jumping du Quebec World Cup Qualifier is the featured event of the CSI-W Blainville Jumping International. Among the best show jumping challengers in the world looking to secure victory will be American Olympic Gold Medallists Joe Fargis and Chris Kappler, past winner Eric Flameng of Belgium and France's Yann Candele. However, the Canadians would love to keep the title right here at home, and challengers such as eight-time Olympian Ian Millar and Montreal native Eric Lamaze, both members of the Canadian Show Jumping Team for the upcoming World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany, will do their best to ensure that this happens.

Other popular competitions include Thursday's Talent Squad competition featuring the up-and-coming superstars of the future while Friday's featured class is the $20,000 Open Welcome. The crowd-pleasing $3,500 Horse-Dog Relay, which sees horses pair up with loveable canines, each jumping their own appropriately-sized obstacles, will follow Saturday afternoon's $25,000 Challenge Desjardins Modified Grand Prix. Considered one of the most gifted course designers in the world, Conrad Homfeld of the United States returns to Blainville to set the tracks on the large grass field, which require obedience from the horses and careful planning from the riders.

The Classique Internationale de Blainville organizing committee, headed by President, Jean-Pierre Arvisais, and Event Manager, Louise Thibault, will once again produce the popular CSI-W Blainville Jumping International.

"This year will be one of the biggest competitions in the event's 18-year history," remarked Arvisais. "We are happy to welcome so many top-name competitors to Blainville, and very pleased to have Conrad Homfeld back this year as course designer. Watching the world's best attempt to pass the challenges he presents on the grand prix field will make for truly great horse sport!"

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