Equestrian Event to Benefit Spinal Center

UC Irvine will sponsor an equestrian competition Sunday to benefit its spinal cord research center, founded with help from actor Christopher Reeve.

A Day at the Oaks International, a world-class equestrian event, will take place in San Juan Capistrano.

The Reeve-Irvine center is the result of the combined efforts of “Superman” movie star Reeve, who suffered a spinal cord injury in a horse-jumping accident; philanthropist Joan Irvine Smith; UCI and the American Paralysis Foundation.

Founded to study trauma and diseases affecting the spinal cord, the center develops therapies to promote the recovery and repair of neurological function.

Though Reeve has attended the event in previous years, he’s unable to come Sunday, a spokeswoman for the riding center said.

Admission to the equestrian competition is $10 and preferred seating is available for $50, $100 and $200.

Gates open at 8 a.m.

The main event, the Grand Prix, begins at 2. The Oaks Mission Viejo Riding Park is at La Pata Road and Ortega Highway.

Information: (949) 661-2561.