It is with deepest regret that we announce the termination of the Capital Classic Show Jumping Tournament & Festival as of this date, March 9, 2007.
The final decision was based on a number of concurrent events which has undermined the financial viability of the Capital Classic Festival Event. As a result, we will not be in a position to host the 20th anniversary edition of the Capital Classic Show Jumping Tournament & Festival in ‘2007’.
Major reasons supporting this decision:
1) The City of Ottawa’s unrelenting position to increase the rent for the use of the
Nepean facility by over 70% from ‘2005’ is the major reason for the show’s inability
to proceed. The Capital Classic is a “Net Financial Contributor†to the City and
unlike most other festivals in Ottawa has never relied on the “Public Purse†to
function. However, there are limits to what the show can pay for the use of the Park
and the City has found it.
2) The detrimental financial impact of the Equine Canada and the Ontario Equestrian Federations’ withdrawal of the Jump Canada Series and FEI International status in ‘2006’. The failure of the associations to sanction these Major components directly impacted many divisions resulting in considerable loss of entries and sponsors.
3) Kubota Canada reducing Capital Classic sponsorship for the ‘2007’ Kubota Cup Series.
4) The loss of one of our long-time financial supporters.
The Capital Classic has strived these many years to deliver a first-rate venue that has hopefully succeeded in promoting and contributing to the Equestrian world and to the economy of Ottawa.
We wish to thank our loyal Sponsors, Volunteers, Exhibitors, Officials, and the multitude of individuals that have contributed to the past 19 years of successful International Show Jumping Competition and Festival in our Nation’s Capital.