KL Grand Prix, Another First For Malaysia PM Patron, Dato' Dr. JJ Organising Chairman

Kuala Lumpur, April 21, 2003 - Malaysia scores another first in bringing international showjumping to the region. The world-class KL Grand Prix will make its debut at the Putra Stadium, Bukit Jalil from October 2 to 5, 2003 where the world's top-ranked and Malaysia's best riders will meet for the first time to compete in a major showjumping event.

YAB Dato Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad is the patron of the KL Grand Prix and the Chairman of the KL Grand Prix Organising Committee is YB Dato' Dr. Jamaludin Jarjis, President of the Equestrian Association of Malaysia and Second Finance Minister.

"Having such an important event here will undoubtedly help bring this sport to the larger public, promote equestrian tourism in Malaysia, and accord greater recognition to the sport and the country. Indeed this world-class event, with the best riders and horses from around the globe, will put Malaysia on the equestrian map, reinforce Malaysia's reputation as a host of great international sporting events and provide unparalleled impetus and inspiration to our accomplished riders and young aspiring riders to reach the top," said YB Dato' Hishamuddin Tun Hussein, Minister of Youth and Sports.

"As the only major international equestrian event in Asia, I look forward to the KL Grand Prix becoming a vital part of the yearly international circuit," he added

The KL Grand Prix creates another milestone for the country in international sporting events - from Formula 1 Racing and Tour de Langkawi to international showjumping.

Bringing top league showjumping to Asia has been one of the aims of the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI). This objective is now realised in the KL Grand Prix - with its five-star CSI rating, its status similar to that of Spruce Meadows, Canada; Olympia and Hickstead in the UK; Paris, France; and Aachen and Dortmund in Germany.

Wan Zaleha Radzi, Managing Director of Asiapromote Ventures Sdn. Bhd., the organisers, said, "We are very excited that an event of this nature and magnitude is happening here in Malaysia. The staging of the KL Grand Prix is certainly a significant achievement for Malaysia and we are now on the international showjumping circuit."

She further added, "We are indeed delighted our honourable Prime Minister is our Patron and he is very much looking forward to the event. Another shot in the arm for the KL Grand Prix is that we none other than YB Dato' Dr. Jamaludin as the Chairman of the organising committee. We are very pleased and grateful that the Prime Minister and prominent figures are playing a key role in Malaysia's very first international equestrian event.

"It is a dream come true to see the KL Grand Prix taking shape. We have put in a lot of ground work in the last two years from conceptualising and planning to obtaining approvals, sanctions, support and sponsorship, and ensuring areas like logistics, technical and manpower will be of world-class standard."

Strongly supported by FEI, Malaysian Equine Council, EAM and Department of Veterinary Services as well as other organisations, the KL Grand Prix is set to bring equestrian sports to the next level of development in the country besides attracting horse lovers from around the world to visit Malaysia.

The sponsors for the event to date are Malaysian Airline Berhad, Tourism Malaysia, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Palace of the Golden Horses and Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur.

About KL Grand Prix

The KL Grand Prix is a five-star CSI international showjumping event that is scheduled for October 2 to 5, 2003 at the Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil. The event will witness at least 25 world top-ranked riders and horses competing for the very first time in Asia.

The objectives of the KL Grand Prix are:
" To institute top-level equestrian sports in Malaysia
" To promote Malaysia as an international venue for horse events
" To promote sports tourism in Malaysia
" To encourage young people to take up equestrian sports, where Malaysians can excel
" To promote further development of equestrian sports in the country
" To draw world-class riders and officials to Malaysia

The event consists of four series of competitions - the first two series, the Young Riders Challenge and the National Trophy, are opened to Malaysian and other South-east Asian riders. The other two, which are International Small Tour and International Big Tour, will see South-east Asian riders meeting the crème de la crème of the international showjumping circuit. The key event is the KL Grand Prix where the best of the best in the world will vie for fabulous prizemoney.

There are also special awards and prizes to be won - the Leading Young Rider, Leading Malaysian Rider in the National Series and the Leading Malaysian Rider from the International Series.

The KL Grand Prix will provide opportunities for local and foreign businesses in the equine industry to showcase its various facets as well as to establish trade contacts at the trade expo.

There will also be fun and entertainment to schoolchildren, families and other members of the public. Events will include a taste of Malaysian culture, horsey activities like pony and carriage rides, horse-related competitions, shows and demonstrations.

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