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Canada’s Rebecca Howard, who finished second in the CCI*** division last year, returns for the 2011 Bromont Three Day Event held June 9 to 12 in Bromont, Quebec.
Photo by Cealy Tetley |
June 3, 2011 – Bromont, Quebec – The Bromont Three Day Event, The Todd Sandler Challenge, will celebrate its 25th anniversary from June 9 to 12, 2011, in Bromont, Quebec. This year’s competition will feature a truly international field vying for more than $30,000 in prize money.
The Bromont Three Day Event has attracted competitors representing countries from around the globe including Belgium, France, Australia, and includes Great Britain’s 2004 Olympic Champion, Leslie Law. Nations such as Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Uruguay are joining Canada and the United States in using Bromont as a selection trial for the upcoming 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico. Many of the competitors who will ultimately represent their countries will be in Bromont, hoping to catch the eye of selectors.
Graeme Thom, Chef d’Equipe of the Canadian Eventing Team, said, “The Bromont event is an important fixture on all competitors’ schedules. The event always provides excellent footing and a fantastic cross-country course. It is a great preparation for our top athletes ahead of major games and offers a wonderful opportunity for many horses and riders of all levels.”
Organizers are expecting more than 150 horses to compete in the CCI***, CCI**, CCI*, CCIYJ* and Open Training divisions. Course designer Derek Di Grazia of the United States, who is also the newly-appointed course designer for April’s Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event, has once again set the cross-country tracks, and he and his crew have been putting the finishing touches on the obstacles and the footing. Since 2009, Di Grazia has been receiving rave reviews for his course designs in the picturesque Bromont Olympic Horse Park, site of the 1976 Montreal Olympic equestrian events.
Last year’s CCI*** competition for the ‘Todd Sandler Perpetual Trophy,’ was won by Will Coleman of Gordonsville, Virginia, riding Nevada Bay. Coleman is returning to Bromont in 2011, as is CCI*** runner-up, Rebecca Howard of Canada. Howard made her Bromont debut in 2010 where she placed second on Riddle Master, and was chosen to represent her country for the first time at the 2010 World Equestrian Games, where Canada claimed the Team Silver medal. In 2011, Howard is competing with Roquefort in the CCI** division and is hoping to use it as a Pan American Games qualifier and preparatory event for the fall season.
“Last year was my first year at Bromont and I was super excited to get there,” said Howard, a native of Salmon Arm, British Columbia, who now makes her home in Norwood, North Carolina. “Derek’s track was a solid three star course. Terrain plays a big role at Bromont and requires a fit horse, so I’m looking forward to seeing what is planned for this year’s two star.”
Alan Shinton returns as the generous title sponsor of the Alan Shinton Team Challenge. This friendly Team Challenge offers $10,000 in total prize money to teams comprised of riders from all divisions and levels, and is a great way to foster camaraderie and a sense of mentorship throughout the competition.
The Bromont site, one of only a handful of active former Olympic venues, continues to evolve as a world-class facility with multi-million dollar investments in its grand stand, administrative facilities, footing and drainage.
The Bromont Three Day Event wishes to thank Heritage Canada and the Government of Quebec for their support.
For more information about the Bromont Three Day Event please visit the bilingual website, www.bromont3dayevent.com. Live scoring will be available throughout the duration of the event.
