OTTAWA, ON – International show jumping sport returns to Ottawa for the National Capital Show Jumping Tournament, this year bringing with it renowned Canadian recording artists, Blue Rodeo.

The two-week show jumping tournament will take place from August 11-15 and 18-22 at the Nepean National Equestrian Park, conveniently located at the 417 Queensway and Moodie Drive. For the first time, a live outdoor concert will be held in conjunction with the featured show jumping event. Immediately following the $75,000 Angelstone Productions Grand Prix, Blue Rodeo will perform, live in concert, on Saturday, August 21.

The first week of competition, running August 11-15, is highlighted by Sunday’s $75,000 Brookstreet Grand Prix. Other featured events include the $10,000 Open Welcome, the $10,000 Modified Grand Prix, the $5,000 Jump Canada Hunter Derby, the Young Horse Series regional final, and Jump Canada Talent Squad competition. FEI ‘O’ course designer Guilherme Jorge of Brazil will set the tracks throughout the week on the grand prix field, widely considered to be one of the best grass jumping fields in North America.

The second week, August 18-22, will see Catsy Cruz of Mexico taking over course design duties. In addition to Saturday’s $75,000 Angelstone Productions Grand Prix, highlights include the $10,000 CompetitiveJumpers.com Open Welcome, the $15,000 ATCO Derby, and the eastern Canadian FEI Children’s Qualifier.

Both weeks of competition at the National Capital Show Jumping Tournament have been awarded CSI** status by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), meaning that competitors will earn valuable points towards the FEI Rolex World Rider Rankings.

“This is a great event to have in the Ottawa area, and it is good to see this world-class facility being used to its full potential,” said Sir Terry Matthews, owner Brookstreet Hotel, the official hotel and sponsor of the National Capital Show Jumping Tournament. “We are very much looking forward to the National Capital Show jumping Tournament this year; it is going to be great fun.”

Numerous Olympians will be in attendance at this year’s National Capital Show Jumping Tournament 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.

A wide variety of fun events outside the show ring are also planned including a ‘Rock the Runway’ Fashion Show, produced by Regan Hayes and Vanessa Marino, on Sunday, August 15.

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 National Capital Show Jumping Tournament for the family-run Hayes Co.

“We are committed to bringing two great weeks of top quality 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.

“Having Blue Rodeo play in conjunction with the National Capital Show Jumping Tournament is also extremely exciting,” continued Hayes. “We are thrilled to be at the forefront of the developing new trend of combining show jumping sport with live music concerts to expand spectator appeal.”

For more information on the National Capital Show Jumping Tournament, including the prize list, please visit www.hayesco.ca. Ainsley Hayes may also be contacted at ainsley@hayesco.ca or cell (416) 846-8419.

Original article from: http://www.hayesco.ca/press_releases.html