WHAT: The Wachovia Securities American Gold Cup is a premier five-day horse show jumping event that attracts top international, professional and amateur competitors. More than $200,000 in prize money is awarded in 20 different classes. The grand finale—the $100,000 Wachovia Securities American Gold Cup class—is held on Sunday, September 21 and is an international World Cup qualifying event for the 2009 FEI World Cup Finals.

HISTORY: In 2006, the Wachovia Securities American Gold Cup was warmly welcomed by spectators and media as it returned home to Cleveland after a 35 year absence. The first American Gold Cup was held during the Chagrin Valley PHA Horse Show in 1970 at the historic Polo Field, the site of North America’s first show jumping grand prix. The Gold Cup moved to Florida and became the forerunner of today’s American Invitational in Tampa, before it moved to Devon, PA, outside Philadelphia, where it remained until 2005.

WHEN: Wednesday, September 17 through Sunday, September 21, 2008

WHERE: Cleveland Metroparks Polo Field in Moreland Hills, Ohio (Ohio Route 87 and Chagrin River Road) just west of Chagrin Falls and approximately 18 miles southeast of Cleveland.

BENEFICIARY: The Gold Cup benefits City Year Cleveland, which unites a diverse corps of young adults (age 17 to 24) for a demanding year of full-service community service, leadership development and civic engagement. For more information, visit www.CityYear.org

TICKET PRICES/SEATING OPTIONS: General admission bleacher seating ($10 adults and $5 seniors and children (3 to 12 yrs.); Sunday $15 adults and $5 kids (3 to 12 yrs.); Ringside box seats ($750 for a box of 6 seats for the week); Individual ringside box seats are $50 per seat and $75 for Sunday.

COMPETITION HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
Wednesday 8:00 a.m.  Opening Day featuring the 1.40 meter Speed Stake and 1.45 meter Jumper Stake
Thursday 8:00 a.m.  Competition includes 1.45 meter Speed Stake, Junior/Amateur-Owner High and Low and Adult Amateur Jumper classes
Friday 8:00 a.m.  Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper High and Low classes, 1.40 meter NAL Speed Stake, Adult Amateur, and Children’s Jumpers and the evening’s $25,000 Wachovia Securities American Gold Cup Welcome Stake
Saturday 8:00 a.m.  Children's Jumper, Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic – Low, NAL Adult Amateur and Children’s Jumper Classics, $25,000 1.50 meter Jumper Classic, and $15,000 SJHOF Junior/Amateur-Owner Classic
Sunday 8:00 a.m.  FEI Children’s International Jumping Competition
1:00 p.m.  Opening Ceremonies and Parade of Champions
2:00 p.m.  $100,000 Wachovia Securities American Gold Cup (FEI World Cup Qualifier and Member AGA Grand Prix Series of Show Jumping)

SPECIAL EVENTS INCLUDED WITH ADMISSION:
Daily shopping boutiques and eateries open daily during the event

American Gold Cup Family Festival -- Saturday (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and Sunday (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Family fun including rides, games and crafts; Cleveland Metroparks’ Nature Tracks and miniature golf; Lake Farmpark, pioneer games by Geauga County Historical Society, and more.