Increased Prize Money and Upgraded Facilities at Halton Place

Halton Hills, Ontario – Resembling a European-style equestrian estate, Halton Place, located on the outskirts of Georgetown, has ‘stepped up to the plate’ for high stakes show jumping with almost $500,000 in prize money during the three week Canadian Country Classic series August 26-30, September 2-6 and September 9-12, 2009.

Businessman/entrepreneur and Halton Place owner Timur Leckebusch invested heavily in facility improvements for 2008 including the execution of the plans by the master of equestrian design and footing, Robert Jolicoeur.

The facilities are now ready to host world class show jumping, says Leckebusch and visitors will see many of the best in the sport throughout the three weeks of major competition at Halton Place.

Each week has been ‘packaged’ with a specific focus for both competitors and attending spectators.

Week one of the Canadian Country Classic opens with the National Finals for the Canadian Young Horse Jumper Development Series. Previously held during the Royal Horse Show in Toronto, and more recently the former Tournament of Champions, the Young Horse Jumper Development Championships and Finals showcase future international show jumping prospects, many of which are piloted by today’s stars of the sport.

“We’re delighted to host the Young Horse Development Championships”, says Leckebusch, “and showcase the National Finals with ‘front of the line’ treatment as our feature events during week one of the Canadian Country Classic.”

Momentum builds for week two, September 2-6, when international show jumping takes centre stage with feature classes each day in the main grand prix ring. International competition warms up Friday afternoon with the $35,000 Villarboit Open Welcome and culminates on Sunday with the $100,000 Swisscan Properties World Cup Qualifier at 2pm.

“Development of the sport at the junior and amateur level is critically important to the ongoing success of show jumping,” says Leckebusch.

Fortifying his commitment, Halton Place’s third and final Canadian Country Classic week will include an intense schedule of junior, amateur and modified classes including the Ontario Hunter Jumper Association (OHJA) Young Rider Finals and the OHJA Medal Class. A solid schedule of children’s and amateur hunter competitions, including Sunday’s Villarboit Hunter Classic presented by Pfaff Audi and the $30,000 GoodLife Fitness Modified Grand Prix will complete the three week tour at Halton Place.

Embracing the ‘Buy Canadian’ philosophy, Halton Place has enlisted Canada’s top international course designers: Danny Foster, Michel Vaillancourt and Dave Ballard for the three consecutive weeks of competition.

Spectator-friendly, with plenty of prime viewing locations, Halton Place offers many amenities for day visitors to the Canadian Country Classics. Ringside seating is available for all competitions and is included with parking ($10 per car), with a browsing trade fair area and public food concessions.

For those wanting to ‘step-up’ the occasion for their day in the country, VIP tents overlooking the competition rings with gourmet catered luncheons, are available on a day pass basis. To order VIP passes, please contact/email Halton Place a minimum of 48 hours in advance. VIP parking is included with these passes.

Halton Place, located in the beautiful Halton Hills is close to Georgetown and Milton and within an easy drive from Oakville or Burlington. It is also one of the most scenic equestrian facility locations, overlooking the beautiful Niagara Escarpment.