After a first week marked by unprecedented success and record attendance, the Blainville Equestrian Park gets set for the second week of the Classique Internationale Blainville, from July 13 to 17. More than 200 Hunter Jumper classes are scheduled to take place in the different arenas. Renowned riders such as Liubov Kotchekova from Russia, as well as Canadian Equestrian Team members Yann Candele, Beth Underhill, Hugh Graham, Keean White, Ainsley Vince, Lauren Hunkin and Angela Covert, will be competing alongside Québec rising stars François Lamontagne, Isabelle Lapierre, David Arcand, Laurence Addison and Alexandre Cousineau-Denis, to name but a few.
This second week’s program will host International-level classes counting towards the FEI World Ranking and the World Cup Finale, to be held in April 2012 in the Netherlands. On Friday July 15, the public is convened to a 1.50 m test. The traditional 1.40 m Grand-Prix Challenge Desjardins will take place on Saturday July 16. On that same day, Phase 1 of the FEI Junior World Championship Qualifier, for talented riders aged 12 to 14, will also be presented. Phase 2 resumes on the following day, Sunday 17, 2011. The last day of competition will end with the much-awaited 1.60 m World Cup Qualifier, a first on Québec soil. François Lamontagne will defend his 2010 title, and we know that Isabelle Lapierre and her popular mare Vicki Vale will be present.
Along with spectacular equestrian competitions, a wide variety of activities is on deck for a public of all ages. Whether interested in horses or horsepower, children and gown-ups alike will see their fantasies fulfilled. With the Blainville Pony Club, a mini farm and pony rides on the site, little ones will have the opportunity to discover the unique experience of getting close to horses and ponies. While the youngsters will be fascinated with pony paintings, the grown-ups will delight in an awe-inspiring exhibition of more than 50 vintage cars. For this incredible journey through the 19th and 20th century, all proprietors will be dressed in the attire specific to their vehicle’s time.
Before its mission evolved towards sport and leisure, the horse was a crucial ally to man in combat. The public will be invited to go back in time as they are greeted by knights, and bear witness to medieval jousting. Which knight in shining armour shall win the battle? The one on the white horse or the black? Results will be known prior to Saturday’s Desjardins Grand-Prix Challenge, and Sunday’s World Cup Qualifier.
Close to 500 horses will be thumping their hooves at the Blainville Equestrian Park during this 2nd week of competition. This event is a must for all equestrian sports riders, but also for all horse enthusiasts eager to witness the thrill of an international-level competition.
Situated north of Montreal, the Blainville Equestrian Park welcomes you from July 13 to 17, 9h00 am to 4h00 pm, at 1025, chemin du Plan Bouchard, Highway 15, Exit 25, 450 621-8899, info@classiqueblainville.com, http://www.classiquebalinville.com/. Admission is $8 per adult on Saturday, and $10 on Sunday. Free admission for children under 12
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