Hampton Falls, NH - The nation's number one athlete in the sport of equestrian show jumping, McLain Ward, is making his next Grand Prix destination the Fidelity Investments Jumper Classic in Hampton Falls, New Hampshire.

On Sunday, September 19, Ward will compete in the $75,000 Fidelity Investments Grand Prix just seven days after capturing the largest purse in the history of the sport of show jumping, the Pfizer $1 Million held in Saugerties, NY. The formidable duo of McLain Ward and Sapphire is notably one of the most outstanding horse/rider teams on the planet. They hold the number one position in selection for representing the U.S. in the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games to be hosted for the first time outside of Europe when it comes to Kentucky.

The 34-year-old from Brewster, NY, and the 15-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare have a white-hot legacy of show jumping wins, not the least of which were the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Gold medals.

"McLain Ward is without question the top rider in the nation and the Fidelity Investments Jumper Classic is pleased to welcome him back to the competition for the third year," said Jeff Papows, Chairman of the show. "We know and admire McLain, and he always has a devoted audience here, as well as fellow competitors who know and respect him so much. We're thrilled to have this legendary rider compete here again."

Ward won the 2008 $75,000 Fidelity Investments Jumper Classic riding Goldika 559. He has qualified for the World Equestrian Games with two horses - Sapphire and Rothchild - and has several top mounts that he is competing concurrently.

The $75,000 Fidelity Investments Grand Prix will be held on the show grounds of the Silver Oak Equestrian Center on the top grass Grand Prix field on the East Coast. The five-day show opens Wednesday, September 15. More than 450 horses will be competing in three rings, with 60 classes to be held throughout the event.

For more information, visit www.jumperclassic.com or call (978) 283-7708.

ENDS