Show Jumping Returns to the Nation’s Capital

Ottawa, Ontario – International show jumping sport will have its home in Ottawa, ON, when the National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments return from August 12-16 and August 19-23, 2009.

The two-week show jumping tournament will take place at the Nepean National Equestrian Park, conveniently located at the 417 Queensway and Moodie Drive. Numerous Olympians will be in attendance including local area residents Ian Millar of Perth, ON, and Jill Henselwood of Oxford Mills, ON, both members of Canada’s Silver Medal Team at the 2008 Olympic Games. In addition to competing, Millar, a nine-time Olympian, is the Honourary Chair of the National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments.

During the first week of competition, the ‘National Open’ will feature the $10,000 Marshes Open Welcome on Friday, August 14, the $15,000 ATCO Derby on Saturday, and the $25,000 National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments Grand Prix on Sunday, August 16. Hunter competitors will also be in the spotlight during the $2,500 Hunter Derby on the grand prix field. During week one, renowned course designer Guilherme Jorge of Brazil will set the tracks in the grand prix ring, widely considered to be the best grass jumping field in eastern Canada.

Week two, dubbed the ‘CSI** National Tournament’ and sanctioned by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), will feature the $10,000 CompetitiveJumpers.com Open Welcome on Friday, August 21. On Saturday evening, August 22, the $15,000 Modified Grand Prix and a BBQ will be held in support of the United Way. The grand finale of the National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments will be the $75,000 Brookstreet Grand Prix on Sunday, August 23. Two-time Olympic course designer Leopoldo Palacios of Venezuela will handle course design duties during the CSI** National Tournament.

A wide variety of fun events are also planned. The popular Grooms Class will be held on Friday, August 14, followed by a JustWorld International Horseless Horse Show. A Candy Shoppe Fashion Show, produced by Regan Hayes, will be held at the Brookstreet Hotel on Sunday evening, August 16. A golf tournament at The Marshes on Monday, August 17, will also provide a diversion from the rigors of competition.

The National Capital Show Jumping Tournament is produced by the Hayes Family. Co-Chairs are two-time Canadian Olympian Jay Hayes and his wife, Shawn, while Event Coordinator, Ainsley Hayes, organizes and manages the Tournaments for the family-run Hayes Co.

“We are committed to bringing two great weeks of world-class show jumping to the nation’s capital,” said Ainsley Hayes. “The Nepean National Equestrian Park provides a world-class venue for show jumping and the fans in Ottawa are second to none, guaranteeing an enjoyable experience for competitors and spectators alike.”