March 11, 2005 – Ottawa, Ontario – The CSI*** 'Kubota' Capital Classic Show Jumping Tournament returns to the Nation’s Capital from July 13-17, 2005, at the Nepean National Equestrian Park in Ottawa, ON.

The five-day tournament, sanctioned by the International Equestrian Federation and ‘A’ rated by the United States Equestrian Federation, will feature some of show jumping’s biggest names competing for more than $150,000 in prize money. Traditionally, the 700 riders that contest the Capital Classic Show Jumping Tournament represent countries from all over the world, and 2005 will be no exception.

Riders welcome the opportunity to compete on the spectacular grass Grand Prix field, considered one of the best in Canada, where 1991 Pan American Games Individual Gold Medallist Danny Foster of Milton, ON, will act as course designer for the third consecutive year. New for 2005 is the addition of a fourth ring which will allow more competitors to participate in additional jumper divisions while also facilitating a condensed schedule.

This year’s featured event will be the $65,000 ‘KUBOTA CUP’ Big Ben Memorial Grand Prix, held on Sunday, July 17, while Saturday’s $35,000 Jumping Derby is always a crowd favourite, making use of the natural obstacles including the bank, open water and infamous ‘devil’s dyke’. Yann Candele of France was victorious in both of these events last year, and will return in 2005 to defend his titles.

Other popular classes include Friday evening’s $20,000 Open Welcome Stake and the Canadian Young Horse Jumper Development Series, an event that plays a vital role in identifying and developing future champions as Four, Five and Six-Year-Old horses compete for accolades in their age group.

For the hunter competitors, where style is just as important as leaving the rails up, the Capital Classic will feature the $5,000 Classic Hunter Challenge and has also introduced the $2,000 Classic Hunter Pony Challenge.

The 2005 'Kubota' Capital Classic Show Jumping Tournament has been sanctioned by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) as a CSI*** event with results counting towards the FEI/Gandini World Ranking List. The 2005 event is also ‘A’ rated by the United States Equestrian Federation, and is a member event of the Marshall & Sterling League.

The 'Kubota' Capital Classic Show Jumping Tournament is honoured to once again benefit The Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada. Proceeds will be donated to this very special organization that grants wishes to children with high-risk life-threatening illnesses.

Located in Ottawa’s west-end at the Nepean National Equestrian Park, at the Moodie Drive exit off of the 417 Highway, the annual Capital Classic Show Jumping Tournament attracts more than 10,000 spectators. For more information, please visit www.capitalclassic.ca.