FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 1, 2001

BEAUTIFUL HORSES • OLYMPIC MEDAL RIDERS • LIVE ENTERTAINMENT • RUSSIAN AMERICAN KIDS CIRCUS • CARNIVAL RIDES AT 4TH ANNUAL NEW ALBANY CLASSIC INVITATIONAL GRAND PRIX AND FAMILY DAY, SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2OO1

(New Albany) - Families can enjoy a wonderful day of world-class horsemanship and live entertainment at the fourth annual New Albany Classic Invitational Grand Prix and Family Day held Sunday, September 23, 2001 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the home of Les and Abigail Wexner in New Albany, Ohio. All proceeds benefit the Columbus Coalition Against Family Violence.

The New Albany Classic Invitational Grand Prix and Family Day offers a range of activities and attractions for all ages in a country setting of rolling hills and white fencing making it a truly unique event for Ohioans:
	$50,000 purse showjumping event
	Clowns, jugglers, face painting, petting zoo
	Hay Maze, old fashioned carnival rides, antique carriage rides
	World Champion Boomerang Thrower
	Fun activities by COSI on Wheels, the Wexner Center for the Arts, Columbus Symphony Orchestra
	National and local entertainment headlined by The Russian American Kids Circus

Attendees will experience the spectacular artistry of a world class equestrian competition. Thirty of North America’s top professional riders, including Olympians from the United States Equestrian Team, will compete in an American Horse Show Association sanctioned showjumping event for $50,000 in cash prizes. The first place winner will also receive a two year lease on a new 2002 Land Rover Freelander.

Spectators can walk the Grand Prix course from 2 to 2:45 p.m. and a jumping tutorial presented at 3:15 p.m. helps those unfamiliar with the sport better understand its rules. Grand Prix jumping is the most demanding of the jumping disciplines and is one of the few sports where men and women compete equally.

The brand new Classic Stage will feature live national and local entertainment throughout the day. Performers include: The Russian American Kids Circus; Celtic dancers and singers from the General Guinness Band; Yumbambe calypso band; Hillbilly Idol bluegrass band; The Ohio State University (OSU) mascot Brutus Buckeye, OSU Cheerleaders, OSU Alumni Band; Columbus Blue Jackets mascot Stinger; exotic animals from the Columbus Zoo; and much more.

Other popular children’s activities and rides are a 24-foot rock climbing wall, a Giant Slide, a Kiddie Train, Dizzy Dragon, and Jupiter Jump. There will also be a Hay Maze and a Silent Auction in which guests can bid on everything from concert tickets to dinners to fine jewelry.

The New Albany Classic Invitational Grand Prix and Family Day is hosted by Abigail Wexner every fall to benefit the Columbus Coalition Against Family Violence which she founded in 1998. The non-profit organization’s mission is to create a community culture with no tolerance for family violence. Mrs. Wexner is the wife of Limited Stores founder, Les Wexner.

“Since the Coalition focuses on helping families, we felt it was important to create a fundraiser that would bring families together for a day of relaxation and fun,” said Mrs. Wexner. “So we’ve combined an equestrian contest by the best riders in the U.S. with attractions for the children. One hundred percent of the event proceeds fund the work of the Coalition.”

The New Albany Classic Invitational Grand Prix and Family Day is held rain or shine. Wagons, all-terrain strollers or child-carriers are suggested since the grounds are not suited for baby strollers. This year’s title sponsors include Bank One, NA; The Limited, Inc. and Intimate Brands, Inc. Media sponsors for the Classic include WBNS 10TV; The Dispatch Printing Company; Time Warner Communications; and WSNY-FM Sunny 95.

Ticket Information
NOTE: No tickets are sold at the gate. All tickets must be purchased in advance. For tickets, call 614-889-6875 or visit www.TheNewAlbanyClassic.com. When online, guests may follow the Event Ticket link to print out a ticket form and return it by mail or fax with payment made by check or credit card. Tickets for adults (ages 17 and older) are $25. Children 16 and younger, are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Ride tickets sold at grounds ticket booths for 50 cents each. All-day ride bracelets are $5. Bleacher seating, all seats general admission. Handicap seating available. Food and beverages available for purchase at the Classic Food Court. Parking is free.