Cannes on the French Riviera has been confirmed for the 2010 lineup of Exquis World Dressage Masters events with the Euro100,000 (US$136,000) competition scheduled for June 10-13.

The WDM event that began the world's richest dressage events in Cannes two years ago will be held at the same time as the Global Champions Tour CSI5*. The Cannes WDM competition had been in doubt because of conflicts with dates of other major dressage shows.

The glamorous Cannes competition, which was won in the inaugural year of 2008 and in 2009 by Anky van Grunsven of The Netherlands, is one of the four CDI5* competitions sponsored by Exquis, Moorlands Stables and Moorlands Investments, Nürnberger Versicherungsgruppe and Jerich International.

It will also kick off the second year of the Nürnberger WDM Rider Rankings offering a bonus of Euro 25,000 (US$34,000).

Complete information on the Exquis World Dressage Masters is available on the updated Internet site, worlddressagemasters.com.

"We are thrilled to be returning to Cannes which is one of the founding events along with Palm Beach in Florida; Munich, Germany and Hickstead, England," said Anthony M. Kies, Chef Executive Officer of Exquis World Dressage Masters.

"Since the first competition at Cannes in June, 2008, the World Dressage Masters has established itself as a premier series attracting the world's top riders and worldwide popular support. Cannes is a wonderful blend of glamor that is unique to the French Riviera and excitement of top horse sport."

François Bourey of SEPA that organizes the Cannes event said he is delighted the Exquis World Dressage Masters will return for a third year of top competition.

"The magnificent performances capped by the musical freestyle on Saturday night makes this a truly magical event and a highlight of the season on the French Riviera," he said.

The 2010 WDM series began in Palm Beach on Feb. 4-6 where Anky van Grunsven on her Olympic mount Salinero posted her second freestyle victory, beating Steffen Peters and Ravel of the United States and Isabell Werth and Satchmo of Germany. The USA's Leslie Morse and Tip Top won the Grand Prix Special.

The schedule for the remainder of 2010 is:

* May 13-16 in Munich, Germany;

* June 10-13 in Cannes, France, and

* July 29-Aug. 1 in Hickstead, England.

WDM at the Olympic Stadium in Munich will mark the final of the inaugural year of the Nürnberger Versicherungsgruppe Rider Rankings and its award of Euro 25,000 (US$36,000). For the final at Munich, riders can earn double points. Points awarded are based on the regular World Ranking points of the FEI multiplied by a factor of 1.5.