World-class show jumping takes centre stage in Toronto this week, as top riders from three continents and six countries descend on the Ricoh Coliseum to compete for over $365,000 in prize money and the prestigious Leading Horse and Rider titles.
Despite the unexpected loss of his incredible mount Hickstead, International show jumper and current Olympic gold medal winner Eric Lamaze will be competing at The Royal this week. Equestrian fans wishing to show their support for Eric Lamaze will have a chance to see the great rider compete during the evening Royal Horse Shows on Tuesday, November 8; Wednesday, November 9 and Saturday, November 12th, at this point.
Fans will also be able to leave tributes in books of condolence which are being set up in the Ricoh Coliseum’s Heritage Court.
“Like the rest of the equine world, The Royal was deeply shocked and saddened to hear about the loss of Hickstead,” said Fair President, John Dunlap. “We hope that Eric finds some comfort in being back on his home soil with his Canadian fans cheering him on.”
Canadian Olympians Ian Millar, Jill Henselwood and Beth Underhill, as well as America’s McLain Ward and Britain’s Nick Skelton are just a few of the 21 elite competitors who will be setting the standard in the Horse Show this year.
The International riders will have the opportunity to compete nine times between this afternoon and Saturday evening, in matinee and evening competitions including the $31,000 Jolera Open Welcome, the $100,000 FEI World Cup Grand Prix, the $50,000 Weston Canadian Open and the sold-out $75,000 Ricoh Big Ben Challenge. All of the weekday matinee performances are FREE with general admission to the Fair. Thursday’s evening performance offers an exciting double-bill featuring International show jumping as well as the $40,000 CDI 3*** FEI Grand Prix Dressage Freestyle to Music competition, where Ashley Holzer will appear to defend her 2009 & 2010 titles. The complete timetable is available at http://www.royalfair.org/.
More from Horse Sport:
