2004 Olympic Silver and Bronze Medal Champion Chris Kappler to Compete at the $50,000 Fidelity Investments Grand Prix

Gala VIP Luncheon Tickets Still Available

South Hamilton, MA - August 30, 2004 - The 15th Anniversary of the Fidelity Investments Jumper Classic will feature many Olympic and U.S. Equestrian Team veterans during the course of this exciting show jumping event. Scheduled to kick off on September 8th and run through the 12th, spectators will get to watch many of their favorite North American equestrians in action.

Located on Bay Road 1A in South Hamilton, MA, the show grounds are just minutes from Route 128. This is the fourth year that Fidelity Investments has sponsored this important equestrian and charity event.

While show jumping at the 2004 Olympic Games is over, you can observe many Olympic, Pan American Games, and World Cup veterans contest the $50,000 Fidelity Investments Grand Prix on Sunday, September 12. Top riders who have jumped to glory in past Grand Prix include Chris Kappler (2004 Olympic individual bronze medal and team silver medal), Beezie Madden (2004 Olympic team silver medal), Alison Firestone (2004 Olympic show jumping team first alternate), Nona Garson (2000 Olympic veteran), Margie Goldstein Engle (2000 Olympic veteran), 'Leapin' Leslie Burr (1984 Olympic team gold medal, 1996 Olympic team silver medal), Candice King (World Cup veteran), Katie Prudent (World Cup veteran), and Ainsley Vince (World Cup veteran).

Last year's $50,000 Fidelity Investments Grand Prix champion, Ainsley Vince will return to defend her title. Along with her World Cup accomplishments, Vince has also been declared Canada's Leading Rider on several occasions. This summer alone, Vince has won four major Grand Prix in Canada on her well-known horses Catch 22, Kafka, and Uno.

Vince will have to face down many of North America's toughest equestrians in order to retain her title. Her most threatening competitor might be Chris Kappler, a decorated member of the show jumping squad at the August 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece. Kappler helped his squad capture the team silver medal, and then continued on and earned an individual bronze medal on his mount, Royal Kaliber.

The legendary Joe Fargis will also be on hand. Fargis won the individual gold medal at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, CA on the Thoroughbred mare, Touch of Class. Peter Leone, a member of the 1996 U.S. Olympic Team silver medal squad, plans to compete, as do 2000 Olympic veterans Margie Engle and Nona Garson. Marilyn Little, the winner of the 2003 $50,000 Budweiser Grand Prix of Lake Placid in New York and 2003 $50,000 HITS Culpeper Grand Prix in Virginia, will be a tough foe. Local heroes, Mark Jungherr and Jen Ritucci, would love to keep top honors in the Grand Prix within New England.

"Once again, we are delighted to host many of the best riders in North America at the Fidelity Investments Jumper Classic, and are especially honored to welcome recent Olympic champion Chris Kappler," shared Melissa Lovasco, President of the Fidelity Investments Jumper Classic. "There will be a tough battle for the blue ribbon and lion's share of the purse."

Adult general admission is $20, while children six to fifteen years of age are $15 each. Children under six years old are FREE! Bring the whole crew for an unforgettable family day together. Along with the great show jumping action, families can enjoy pony rides, skydivers, mounted police demonstrations, shopping, and other fun activities. The Northeast Friesian Horse Club's Drill Team will present a special performance on Sunday, September 12. During the Grand Prix intermission, prepare to be enthralled by these enormous black horses as they perform a beautiful ride set to the music of Mannheim Steamroller's 'Classical Gas.' General admission tickets are on sale now, so plan ahead for a wonderful experience with your loved ones.

For those desiring a fabulous day out in the country with an elegant atmosphere in the VIP Tent, along with great food served on linen tablecloths and a bit of champagne, then consider upgrading to become a VIP. VIP tickets are $135, and benefits include VIP parking, ringside seating in the corporate tents, a program, and a Laurent Perrier Champagne four-course luncheon along with an open bar. Special corporate sponsorships and tables are also available which include the company name in the program and corporate banners in the show arena. VIP seating is limited and sells out quickly, so call today to secure your place.

To purchase tickets in advance or to discuss sponsorship opportunities, please call (978) 283-7708.