As the equestrian events close at the Pan Am Games in Toronto, competitors are preparing to head west to Thunderbird Show Park in Langley. The facility will be hosting two summer tournaments in mid-August, centering around the $126k Longines FEI World Cup Qualifier on August 16th. Leading riders from the USA, Canada, Egypt, Venezuela and beyond will be competing for prize money and qualifying points towards the World Cup finals in Sweden.
The 2015-2016 season of the Longines FEI World Cup North American League kicks off at Thunderbird Show Park on August 16th. Longines is joining this prestigious series as new Official Partner, Official Timekeeper and Official Watch. The league goes across seven East and seven West Coast venues in three countries: the United States, Mexico and Canada and boasts a minimum of US $2.4 million prize money across the series.
Now in its 42nd year, Thunderbird Show Park is honoured to be hosting the inaugural Longines World Cup class. Eight hundred competitors are expected on the grounds for the weeklong tournament, which culminates with the main event on Sunday, August 16th. With dozens of the top riders in the world expected to go up against a course set by Olympic designer (London 2012), Alan Wade of Ireland, spectators are in for a big show.
Equestrian athletes and their mounts arrive on August 10th and will be riding in several welcome classes, but all eyes will be on the grand prix field come Sunday the 16th.
- Wednesday, August 12th – $42,000 CSI3* Maui Jim Open Welcome
- Friday, August, 14th – $42,000 CSI3* George and Dianne Tidal Legacy
- Saturday, August 15th – $10,000 Cowell Auto Group Cup/Talent Squad Qualifier
- Sunday, August 16th – $126k CSI3* Longines FEI World CupTM Jumping Langley Presented by Noel Asmar Equestrian
Spectators will arrive early for grandstand seating around the field, but there’s plenty of space for tailgating and picnics. The World Cup gets underway at 1pm with opening ceremonies, giving visitors the opportunity to come early and enjoy the day. Food trucks, including Mollies Mini Donuts, Old Country Pierogi and The Reef Runner, will be on site and there will be face painting, pony rides and a petting zoo for the kids Entry is $10 per carload.
The equestrian industry contributes more than $750 million annually to the British Columbia economy, of which Thunderbird Show Park plays a significant role. For the fourth year in a row, the Park has been named one of the top three venues on the continent, second behind Calgary’s Spruce Meadows.
Visit www.tbird.ca for more information or follow the Park at facebook.com/thunderbirdshowpark for the latest news and updates.
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