Two Weeks of Back-to-Back International Show Jumping at Blainville Equestrian Park

Blainville, Quebec — International show jumping returns to the Blainville Equestrian Park, located just north of Montreal, with two weeks of back-to-back competition from July 2 to 6 and July 9 to 13 offering a total of $250,000 in prize money.

The â€˜Jumping Blainvilleâ€™ celebrates its 20th anniversary with world-class show jumping held over two weeks due to popular demand. The first week, July 2 to 6, will feature the stellar competitions that participants and spectators have come to enjoy including Fridayâ€™s $10,000 Open Welcome Stake, Saturdayâ€™s $15,000 Modified Grand Prix and $3,500 Horse-Dog Relay, and Sundayâ€™s $50,000 Grand Prix. International Equestrian Federation (FEI) â€˜Câ€™ course designer Pierre Burch of Vercheres, QC, will be setting the tracks on the Grand Prix field.

The second week of competition, running July 9 to 13, has been designated as a CSI2*-W by the FEI. Saturday features a $15,000 Speed Derby while Fridayâ€™s $15,000 Welcome Stake and Sundayâ€™s $60,000 World Cup Grand Prix will both be FEI classes with points counting towards the Rolex Rider Rankings. In addition, Sundayâ€™s $60,000 World Cup Grand Prix is a qualifying event for the 2009 World Cup Final in Las Vegas, USA. Sven Loewe of Asheville, NC, also designated an FEI â€˜Câ€™, will be the course designer during week two.

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Yet another FEI course designer, Robert Jolicoeur, will be overseeing the installation of all-weather footing in the grand prix field. Jolicoeur of Montreal, QC, was the course designer for the 1976 Olympic Games and has since developed an international reputation as one of the worldâ€™s foremost footing experts. His plan for the refurbishing of the grand prix field includes state-of-the-art footing with beautifully landscaped islands of greenery.

Management of â€˜Jumping Blainvilleâ€™ changes hands this year as long time organizer, Jean-Pierre Arvisais and his committee, pass the reins to Jean-Guy Chasle and Pierre Lefebvre, both of whom have been involved with the show since the very beginning. Their long-term involvement with the show jumping tournament will produce a seamless transition.

â€œThe new team is experienced, and I believe that their management of â€˜Jumping Blainvilleâ€™ will make for a good combination,â€ noted Arvisais who is acting as an advisor during the transition. â€œWhen we first began hosting this show jumping competition 20 years ago, it was our goal to showcase top sport for the participants and spectators alike in a world-class setting. I am proud that we are completing the upgrades promised to modernize the facility and am confident that Blainville Equestrian Park will continue to host international show jumping tournaments for years to come.â€

Chasle and Lefebvre are extremely proud to be taking over where Arvisais left off. As Chasle noted, â€œThe legacy of show jumping competition at the Blainville Equestrian Park is substantial â€“ now in its 20th year, Blainville offers the longest running World Cup Qualifying competition in all of Canada. We are extremely proud to be able to continue that legacy and are looking forward to welcoming everyone back to Blainville to enjoy the improved facility and, of course, top notch show jumping competition.â€

Located just north of Montreal, Blainville Equestrian Park features a variety of attractions that ensure all family members enjoy their visit. For more information, including prize lists, please visit call (450) 965-8567, fax (450) 621-6897, or e-mail: info@classiqueblainville.com.