July 6, 2005 – Blainville, Quebec – Quebec’s own Laurie Bucci scored victory on the opening day of the 17th annual CSI-W Blainville Jumping International running July 6-10 at Blainville Equestrian Park located just north of Montreal, Quebec.

Riding Catesko, Bucci of Mont St. Hilaire, QC, was one of six riders to advance to the jump-off over the course designed by Olympic Gold Medalist Conrad Homfeld. Despite being blind in one eye, the result of a field accident when he was a youngster, Catesko has no problem competing at the top levels of show jumping. First to challenge in the jump-off Bucci and Catesko turned in a clear round in a time of 40.79 seconds. None of the five who followed were able to better her time, giving Bucci the victory.

The winner of this class last year, Chris Pratt of Belfountain, ON, was forced to settle for second this year. Riding Rivendell, a ten-year-old Westphalian gelding owned by Susan Grange, Pratt stopped the timers at 43.32 seconds, just fast enough to hold off Margie Gayford of Sharon, ON, who clocked in at 43.48 seconds riding Stuntman, a nine-year-old Hannoverian gelding owned by Wingberry Farms.

Erynn Ballard, 24, of Hornby, ON, was the only other rider to post double clear rounds to finish fourth riding the 10-year-old Canadian-bred grey mare, Rio’s Rhapsody. Two entries from Torrey Pines Stables of Schomberg, ON, took fifth and sixth positions. Jenny Jones guided Cassius to fifth place while Courtney Vince of Milton, ON, piloted Kandele to sixth position.

Over $160,000 in prize money is offered over the five days of competition at CSI-W Blainville Jumping International. Featured events include Thursday’s $2,500 Jump Canada National Talent Squad, a competition that puts the spotlight on future members of the Canadian Equestrian Team, the $20,000 Casino de Montreal Welcome Stake on Friday, and the $25,000 Challenge Desjardins Modified Grand Prix scheduled for Saturday afternoon. The five-day tournament culminates with Sunday’s $65,000 Grand Prix Jumping du Quebec World Cup Qualifier.

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, e-mail: classiqueblainville@videotron.ca.

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Rider Hometown Horse Faults Time
1. Laurie Bucci Mont St. Hilaire, QC Catesko 0:0 40.79
2. Chris Pratt Belfountain, ON Rivendell 0:0 43.32
3. Margie Gayford Sharon, ON Stuntman 0:0 43.48
4. Erynn Ballard Hornby, ON Rio’s Rhapsody 0:0 44.11
5. Jenny Jones United States Cassius 0:7 54.36
6. Courtney Vince Milton, ON Kandele 0:10 57.23