Toronto, Ontario – November 11, 2003 - Eight-time Olympian Ian Millar of Perth, ON, opened the international division of the 2003 Royal Horse Show with a win in the $15,000 International Welcome.

Riding Nicos, a 13-year-old Belgian Warmblood stallion, Millar posted the fastest of nine clear rounds in a time of 60.58 seconds. A total of 19 riders attempted the course set by David Ballard of Hornby, ON.

Olympic gold medallist Leslie Howard of the Westport, CT, led the American charge. Riding the eight-year-old Youp, Howard clocked in with a time of 61.12 seconds. Margie Goldstein-Engle of Wellington, FL, finished third in a time of 62.53 seconds riding Hidden Creek’s Pasadena.

Representing his home country of France, Yann Candele, now based in Schomberg, ON, placed fourth riding Mill Creek Sweet Dream, an eight-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare. Rounding out the top five was Alison Firestone of Upperville, VA, riding Casanova.

The $60,000 Royal Canadian Mint World Cup Grand Prix takes place at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, November 12. The competition will determine Canada’s two representatives at the 2004 World Cup Final in Milan, Italy. The Royal Horse Show takes place at the brand-new Ricoh Coliseum at the National Trade Center from November 7-16. Show jumping competitors will compete for a total of $290,000 in prize money in the international division over ten days of competition.

For more information on the 2003 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, please visit www.royalfair.org. To purchase tickets for this year’s event, please contact Ticketmaster at (416) 870-8000.

$15,000 International Welcome – Final Standings