October 5, 2006 – Toronto, Ontario – Olympic Champion Rodrigo Pessoa of Brazil will make his first appearance at the Royal Horse Show when it is held November 3-12, 2006, as part of the 84th Royal Agricultural Winter Fair at Ricoh Coliseum in Toronto, ON.

At only 35 years of age, Pessoa is already a show jumping legend. Since making his Olympic debut in Barcelona at the age of 19, Pessoa has enjoyed a Team Gold Medal at the 1995 Pan American Games, claimed the World Show Jumping Champion title in 1998, and led Brazil to Team Bronze Medals at the 1996 and 2000 Olympic Games. Incredibly, he is the only rider to have won three consecutive World Cup titles, in 1998, 1999 and 2000, with his famous horse, Baloubet de Rouet. In 2004, they continued their domination of show jumping sport by being crowned the Olympic Champions in Athens, Greece.

"I have talked to Torchy about coming to the Royal Horse Show for many years, but I always had another commitment for the same week," said Pessoa in reference to Terrance 'Torchy' Millar, Royal Horse Show Committee member as well as chef d'equipe of the Canadian Show Jumping Team. "This year, it all worked out and I am really excited to be coming. I look forward to doing well."

In making his Royal Horse Show debut, Pessoa joins an impressive line-up of international riders. British favourites Michael Whitaker and Nick Skelton will be back, as will Eric van der Vleuten of the Netherlands and Norway's Geir Gulliksen. They are joined this year by Royal newcomers Tina Lund of Denmark and Dutch favourite, Harrie Smolders.

American competitors expected at this year's Royal Horse Show include 2004 Olympic Team Gold Medalists Chris Kappler, Beezie Madden and McLain Ward, joined by Margie Engle, Laura Kraut, Jimmy Torano, and California's Richard Spooner.

While the Canadian Show Jumping Championship on the opening weekend of the Royal Horse Show will determine which eight Canadians go forward to the International Division, Eric Lamaze (26th), Ian Millar (33rd), Mario Deslauriers (50th), Jill Henselwood (64th), and John Pearce (88th), are already assured five of the eight spots based on their current rankings in the FEI Gandini Jumping Riders' World Ranking List.

"This year the Royal Horse Show features an exciting line-up of competitors, including numerous Olympic and World Champion medalists," said John Dunlap, Chairman of the Royal Horse Show. "We are especially excited to have the Tiger Woods of show jumping, Rodrigo Pessoa, joining us for the first time. Having such talented and well-known riders raises the level of competition and adds to the excitement and enjoyment of our audiences."

The International Division of the Royal Horse Show officially opens on Tuesday, November 7. Featured events include Wednesday's CN World Cup Grand Prix, broadcast by CBC Sports, Thursday's popular National Steel Car Four Bar Challenge, and Friday's Weston Canadian Open. Closing Night of the Royal Horse Show features the Ricoh 'Big Ben' Challenge, which will also be televised.

Tickets for all Royal Horse Show performances, held as part of the 84th Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, can be purchased through Ticketmaster by calling 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.