News Releases

First 30 people to visit the BMO Fan Centre and show their BMO Debit or MasterCard can Ride in the Parade of Nations on the BMO float!

SPRUCE MEADOWS ( CALGARY) AB, September 7, 2010 – One of the richest team show-jumping events in the world, the $350,000 BMO Nations' Cup, will take place on Saturday, September 11, at Canada's premier show-jumping event, the Spruce Meadows "Masters" Tournament.

Organizers hope to surpass last year's record attendance of 67,789 fans for the 2010 BMO Nations' Cup. Those fans can take part in the BMO Power of Blue program which offers exceptional client experiences during the Spruce Meadows Masters Tournament such as a free enviro-bag for customers showing a BMO debit or credit card.

Hundreds of thousands of television viewers across Canada will also take in one of the world's best international show jumping events at one of the sport's most famous venues.

The 2010 Canadian Team will include veterans Eric Lamaze, Yann Candelle, Jonathan Millar, and John Anderson, led by Chef d'équipe Terrance Millar.

"BMO is proud once again to host Canada's premiere equestrian team competition and some of the world's finest riders and horses," said Bill Downe, President and Chief Executive Officer, BMO Financial Group. "The BMO Nations' Cup is an opportunity to show our support for this tremendous sport and its many fans right here in Calgary, across Canada and internationally. The BMO Nations' Cup as part of the Masters Tournament has been a highlight of our company's sponsorship program since 1977."

The roster of eight national teams invited to compete includes:

· Canada – 2008 Olympic Silver Medalist and BMO Nations' Cup Winner 2006.

· Great Britain – Ten BMO Nations' Cup wins - more than any other country.

· Ireland – Three-time winners of the BMO Nations' Cup.

· Mexico - Seeking their first BMO Nations' Cup win.

· Belgium – Seeking their first BMO Nations' Cup win

· Switzerland – Seeking their first BMO Nations' Cup win.

· The Netherlands – 2009 BMO Nations' Cup Winners

· United States – 2004 and 2008 Olympic Champions.

Fan Highlights of BMO's Participation at the 2010 Spruce Meadows Masters Tournament:

Visit the BMO Fan Centre, located in the Plaza Terraces, for autographs from the best show jumping athletes in the world.

• Have your photo taken with the BMO Nations' Cup trophy and award-winning horses
• Show your BMO debit card or BMO MasterCard to receive an enviro-bag and other perks
• Fun, family activities such as face painters, caricaturists, and appearances by BMO the Bear from Friday, September 10 to Sunday, September 12, and
• Yodel and dance along with the musical entertainment all during the week in the BMO Fan Centre.

"The BMO Nations Cup is a leading event in our sport in the world. This year the event features the reigning World, Olympic and European Champions. It promises to be a highlight of our 35^th Anniversary season", says Spruce Meadows president, Linda Heathcott. "The fact that BMO Financial Group has been a part of the Spruce Meadows story from the start makes the competition and atmosphere truly unique."

BMO in Alberta

With more than 2,700 employees and 101 BMO Bank of Montreal branches in Alberta, BMO provides financing to more than 27,000 small businesses. BMO annually demonstrates its commitment to be an active corporate citizen in the community through numerous donations, including major gifts to the University of Alberta, SAIT, the Art Gallery of Alberta and the Alberta Children's Hospital. BMO is the founding sponsor of the Spruce Meadows equestrian facility and annually sponsors the BMO Nations' Cup. For more about BMO Financial Group, visit www.bmo.com.