July 1, 2006 – Blainville, Quebec – In dramatic conclusion to the CDI3* Blainville Dressage International held June 28 to July 1, Quebec's own Evi Strasser thrilled the crowds by winning the Grand Prix Freestyle.

More than 3,000 spectators packed the Blainville Equestrian Park to watch Strasser, who hails from Ste-Adele, successfully defend her title in the Grand Prix Freestyle. Despite some heavy rain that fell just prior to her performance, those that braved the wet conditions witnessed her mesmerizing artistic and technically difficult 'Lion King' program. In addition to putting on a great show for the audience, Strasser also impressed the panel of five international judges to earn a score of 73.675%.

"It was fabulous, I cannot tell you how great it is to perform here in Blainville in front of so many enthusiastic spectators!" raved Strasser, a Canadian Olympian who will now depart for the World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany, where she will be a member of the Canadian Dressage Team. Strasser's partner is Quantum Tyme, an Oldenburg gelding that she has trained herself since buying him as a three-year-old at auction.

Representing Lithuania, Julia Vysniauskas, 24, took second place with a harmonious and artistic expressive Freestyle performance. First into the ring, she captivated the spectators with Syntax, her 14-year-old Slovenia-bred gelding. Jon Costin of Freelton, ON, took third position with Wholio, a 10-year-old Hannoverian gelding. Costin was the only other rider to break the 70 percent barrier, scoring 70.600%.

Cheryl Meisner, 24, paid homage to her Nova Scotian roots by selecting Acadian music for her Freestyle. With Paganini, an impressive Dutch Warmblood stallion, she scored 66.825%. Nancy MacLachlan of Terra Cotta, ON, rounded out the top five with a score of 66.300% riding Ariston, her 10-year-old Ukrainian Warmblood gelding, to guitar music by Jesse Cook.

In the Intermediaire Freestyle, the night belonged to Andrea Bresee who hails from Brockville, ON. Riding Raffles, a Canadian-bred mare owned by Faith Berghuis and Olympic Bronze Medallist Gina Smith, Bresee topped the field with a score of 71.350%.

Gillian Sutherland and her Oldenburg gelding, Great Tyme, were the runner-ups with a score of 69.475%. The next four riders in the standings finished within one percentage point of each other. When the scores were checked and rechecked, it was third place for Halifax's Cheryl Meisner and Lucky Strike while Jacqueline Brooks, who will join Strasser at the World Equestrian Games, placed fourth riding the Canadian-bred gelding, Balmoral. Tom Dvorak was fifth with Alyson Carpenter's Fortissimo, also bred in Canada, while Diane Creech took sixth with Wiona, a Hannoverian mare owned by Doug and Louise Leatherdale.

Earlier in the day, Tara Dougans of Delta, BC, topped the Young Riders' Freestyle competition earning a score of 68.167% riding Nashua, her 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding.

"I love my music, and one judge gave me eight and a half out of ten for it," said Dougans, 20, who performed to music from the 'Zorro' films designed by Karen Robinson of Applause Dressage. In August, Dougans will be a member of the Canada West Team that competes at the North American Young Riders' Championship in Lexington, VA. "Competitors from the west don't often have the opportunity to achieve recognition for the quality of their riding. I would like to be a strong team member."

Cecile von Martels, 20, was the runner-up riding Downtown, a flashy chestnut gelding. The pair, who hails from Ridgetown, ON, earned a score of 66.25%.

In the FEI Six-Year-Old Final, Lee Tubman of Smithville, ON, claimed the victory with Tygo B, a Dutch Warmblood by Wolfgang that is owned by Sunrise Greenhouses. Formerly shown as a hunter, Tygo B came to Tubman in January. The judges were especially impressed by his canter, which has lots of impulsion. Caroline Pepin of St. Hilaire, QC, claimed the FEI Five-Year-Old Final riding HG San Classic with a score of 82.80%. The brown gelding by Sandro Hit has great potential, and earned a nine for his walk.

Located just north of Montreal, Blainville Equestrian Park features a variety of attractions that ensure all family members enjoy their visit. For more information, please visit www.classiqueblainville.com or contact Blainville International at tel: (450) 434-8202, or e-mail: classiqueblainville@videotron.ca.

---