All-Canadian Weekend Opens 2007 Royal Horse Show

Toronto, Ontario – The 2007 Royal Horse Show will open on Friday, November 2, with an all-Canadian weekend. The Royal Horse Show is held as part of The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, celebrating its 85th anniversary, from November 2-11 at Exhibition Place in Toronto, ON.

Featuring the top competitors from across the country, show jumping gets under way with the $100,000 Canadian Show Jumping Championship presented by Greenhawk on Friday and Saturday, November 2 and 3. The top 25 show jumping riders in the nation will compete for top honours, including defending champion Laurie Bucci of St. Hilaire, QC. Following Friday night's speed phase, riders carry their scores forward to Saturday afternoon's two-round final, which will be broadcast live on Country Canada (see television schedule below for further details). At the conclusion, the Canadian Champion will be crowned.

Show jumping continues on Saturday evening with the $70,000 Kubota Cup National Final. The coast-to-coast series with events held from Halifax, NS, to Richmond, BC, sees the top 21 riders from across the country going head-to-head in the Kubota Cup National Final. Top contenders include Tamie Phillips of Strathmore, AB, and Amy Millar, daughter of eight-time Olympian Ian Millar of Perth, ON, although the senior Millar isn't likely to let his daughter take home the trophy without a fight. Last year's runner-up at the Royal, Beth Underhill of Schomberg, ON, is also a serious contender, having won the Kubota Cup event in Halifax, NS, in October.

Dressage fans are in for a special treat with a 'Royal first' - Grammy and Juno award winning Canadian recording artist, Alannah Myles, will perform live as the music is interpreted on horseback by Neil and Cindy Ishoy. Both Neil and Cindy, an Olympic bronze medalist, have competed as members of the Canadian Equestrian Team and the couple will seemingly dance to the music in what is known as a 'pas de deux'. Audiences are sure to be mesmerized during the three performances taking place on Friday, November 2, and both the matinee and evening performances on Saturday, November 3.

Sold-out last year, the Ontario Toyota Dealers Royal Rodeo returns on Sunday, November 5, for another wild ride. In addition to seeing Canada's cowboys and cowgirls in action, fans of all ages will be entertained by a special performance by the Iams SuperDogs.

"The Royal has always showcased Canada's top athletes, and this year we are very excited about the level of competition being offered," said John Dunlap, Chairman of The Royal Horse Show. "In particular, combining the artistry of dressage with a live performance by Alannah Myles, one of Canada's best known recording artists, is sure to be a very special feature that audiences won't soon forget."

For more information on The Royal Horse Show and The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, please visit www.royalfair.org.

Royal Horse Show - Television Broadcast Schedule

COUNTRY CANADA - Friday, November 2 - 22:00-23:00 ET
Canadian Show Jumping Championships - Round I

COUNTRY CANADA - Saturday, November 3 - 12:45-14:30 ET
Canadian Show Jumping Championships Round II

COUNTRY CANADA - Wednesday, November 7 - 21:30-22:45 ET
World Cup Grand Prix

CBC - Saturday, November 10 - 13:30-15:00 ET
Canadian Show Jumping Championships - Round II

CBC - Saturday, November 17 - 15:00-16:30 ET
World Cup Grand Prix

TSN and TSN HD - Saturday, December 1 - 15:00-16:00 ET
Ricoh Big Ben International Challenge

TSN and TSN HD - Sunday, December 2 - 15:00-16:00 ET
Iams SuperDog & Horse Relay

PHOTO CREDIT: Laurie Bucci will defend her title in the $100,000 Canadian Show Jumping Championship presented by Greenhawk on November 2 and 3. Photo Credit - Michelle C. Dunn