Photo by Cealy Tetley, www.tetleyphoto.com

May 10, 2008 – Calgary, Alberta – The fourth annual BMO contest that will reward one lucky winner with a riding lesson from Canadian sports legend Ian Millar kicked off this week. Sponsored by BMO Financial Group, the winning prize includes a trip for two to the Spruce Meadows “Masters” Tournament to be held September 3 to 7, 2008, in Calgary, AB, highlighted by the BMO Nations' Cup on Saturday, September 6, 2008.

Show jumping fans can look forward to the prestigious BMO Nations’ Cup, which brings together the best show jumping countries in the world to compete for the most lucrative prize in team show jumping.

“Having the opportunity to give a riding lesson to a true show jumping fan is always a pleasure, and I am looking forward to meeting the winner of this year’s BMO contest,” said Millar, who already has eight Olympic appearances on his resume and is on track to his ninth at this summer’s Olympic Games.

The prize is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for any horse lover. In addition to the private riding lesson with Millar, the winner will receive two round-trip airfares to Calgary and three nights accommodation at Homeplace Ranch, including meals and a daily trail ride. Two seats in the BMO Skybox for the $350,000 BMO Nations’ Cup have also been reserved for the winner.

Millar will visit the BMO Skybox before the start of the $350,000 BMO Nations’ Cup on Saturday, September 6, 2008, and will review the challenges of the course. Guests of BMO, including the contest winner and his or her guest, will then be invited into the International Ring to evaluate the obstacles for themselves, providing a true “behind-the-scenes” look at the high calibre of competition at Spruce Meadows.

“As a founding sponsor of Spruce Meadows we are very proud of our long history of support for equestrian sport in Canada,” said Ted McCarron, Senior Vice President, Prairies Division, BMO Bank of Montreal. 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.

To enter and view full contest rules, please visit www.horse-canada.com. Entries close August 14, 2008, with a random draw held August 17, 2008.

BMO Financial Group employs more than 2,300 people in Alberta providing personal, commercial and corporate customers with expertise in many areas, including agriculture, oil and gas, corporate banking, international finance and wealth management. BMO Bank of Montreal serves customers through 27 branches in the Calgary District.

BMO is an active supporter of community initiatives in Alberta, donating to the new Alberta Children's Hospital, and through a variety of scholarship programs is a champion of post-secondary education. BMO and its employees are also proud of the 100 year plus legacy built with the Calgary Stampede.