Capital Classic
Show Jumping Tournament
July 13-18, 2004

Candele, 33, who has earned the nickname ‘The Flying Frenchman’ due to his incredible skill for riding at great speed, was one of the three riders to master the test of endurance and bravery set by course designer Danny Foster of Milton, ON. Using natural obstacles such as the hills and ‘the devil dyke’ – a series of three fences set before, in and after a ditch, the $35,000 Jumping Derby proved to be a virtual marathon for the 19 show jumping competitors.

Candele was joined in the jump-off by 1996 Atlanta Olympian Eric Flameng who hails from Belgium and the 24-year-old Lauren Hayes of Cheltenham, ON, whose father, Jay, represented Canada at the 1992 and 2000 Olympic Games and finished fifth in Saturday’s competition.

First to challenge, Flameng set the pace by riding Mazelle to another clear round in a time of 43.17 seconds. Candele, who hails from Normandy, was next on course, and shaved almost four seconds off of Flameng’s time, stopping the clock at 39.43 seconds.

Hayes was a crowd favourite when she returned for the jump-off, having posted a clear in the first round with a ‘heart in your throat’ style of ride. Hayes again blistered around the course, but pulled on the reins coming to the last challenge, a double combination, to set her horse up for the final two obstacles. It proved to be fractions of a second she couldn’t afford to lose as her time of 40.61 seconds left her in second place while victory, and a $9,000 winner’s cheque, was handed to Candele.

“My horse is older, and he’s specialized in speed,” noted Candele of Espresso Thyme, a 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Eddie Creed, who was also his partner for his 2002 victory. “The hardest part was to be clear in the first round, only three riders advanced to the jump-off. Then I saw Eric go in the jump-off and knew he was fast, so I just tried to tighten up my turns, go faster, and hope Lauren wouldn’t beat me! It is always excellent when you win here at the Capital Classic.”

As for the lone Canadian to advance to the jump-off, Hayes was disappointed not to catch Candele, but very proud of her horse’s performance.

“She looks like she is fighting, but she actually listens very well,” noted Hayes of Hill Cruise, an 11-year-old grey Irish-bred mare that she rode to victory on Thursday at the Capital Classic. “I had to do what I had to do to leave all of the jumps up. Yann’s beaten me twice now, but I am sure the third time will be the charm!”

Finished behind the third-placed Flameng was John Kersley and the nine-year-old Mortize, who had the fastest time of all the competitors who incurred four-faults in the first round. Jay Hayes rode Song to fifth position for owner Christine Zerygiewicz.

Over 700 horses are competing at the Capital Classic for more than $150,000 in prize money. Sunday brings the Capital Classic’s flagship event, the sixth annual $75,000 ‘Big Ben’ Memorial Grand Prix, one of the richest grand prix events in the country, scheduled for 2 p.m.

In addition to world-class equestrian sport, the Capital Classic offers a wide variety of attractions for the whole family including the Antique Car Show, various equine displays and a thriving trade fair. The Nepean National Equestrian Park is located at the Moodie Drive exit off of the 417 Highway. Admission, including parking, is $10 on Sunday. Children 12 and under are admitted free. For more information, please visit www.capitalclassic.ca.

Rider, Hometown, Horse, Faults, Time
1. Yann Candele, France, Espresso Thyme, 0:0, 39.43
2. Lauren Hayes, Cheltenham, ON, Hill Cruise, 0:0, 40.61
3. Eric Flameng, Belgium, Mazelle, 0:0, 43.17
4. John Kersley, Newington, ON, Moritze, 4, 128.26
5. Jay Hayes, Cheltenham, ON, Song, 4, 132.69
6. Hugh Graham, Loretto, ON, Promise, 4, 134.57
7. Jenny Jones, United States, Lyon, 4, 135.58
8. Erynn Ballard, Hornby, ON, Ramirique Royale, 8, 121.68