OTTAWA, ONTARIO–(Marketwire – Sept. 17, 2009) – Top world ranked Canadian equestrian athletes will compete in the Equestrian All-Star Grand Prix, part of the Agri-Sport All Star Weekend taking place at Scotiabank Place, Oct 2 & 3. Among the world-class champions competing are Olympians Jay Hayes, Beth Underhill, John Anderson, and 2008 Silver Medal winning Olympic Team members Mac Cone and Jonathan Asselin.The man to beat is local hero Ian Millar of Perth, Ontario who will also be competing. Millar was a member of the 2008 Olympic team and has participated in more Olympic Games than any Canadian athlete in any sport.

Hot on his heels will be a new generation of riders including his own family, Amy and Jonathan Millar. Other up-and-coming young talents vying for the top spot include David Arcand and Paul Halpern from Quebec, Tamie Phillips of Alberta, Gary Brewster from British Columbia and Keean White and Yann Candele from Ontario. In addition to the Millars from Perth, other local favourites set to compete include Kanata’s Karen Sparkes (daughter of local hi-tech mogul Terry Mathews) and Lauren Hunkin of Kemptville.

Premiering in Ottawa this fall, the Equestrian All-Star Grand Prix is set to raise the bar on family entertainment. Get ready to cheer local riders and favourites in this high-action sport as the horses soar over six-foot obstacles to beat the clock and cross the finish line with all jumps standing. This premier showcase of Canada’s elite high-performance equestrian athletes and gold medal sport entertainment takes place Saturday, October 3rd.

Individual and multi-event packages for the Agri-Sport All-Star Weekend (all events: $141.75 and $105 or Saturday only: $78.75 and $57.75) are on sale now and can be purchased by calling 613-599-FANS (3267) or 1-877-788-FANS (3267); in person at The Sens Store at Rideau Centre and Place d’Orleans, any Ottawa Sports Experts location and at the Scotiabank Place box office.