July 12, 2005 – Ottawa, Ontario – The CSI*** ‘KUBOTA’ Capital Classic Show Jumping Tournament returns to Ottawa from July 13-17, 2005.

The five-day tournament, taking place at the Nepean National Equestrian Park, 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 with nations such as Argentina, Belgium, Bermuda, Colombia, France, and the United States all well represented.

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.

‘The Flying Frenchman’ will face stiff competition from Canada’s two strongest contenders, three-time Canadian Champion Eric Lamaze of Schomberg, ON, and eight-time Olympian Ian Millar of Perth, ON. Millar will be riding his Athens Olympic partner, Promise Me, and the pair promise to be in top form. The talented Ainsley Vince of Milton, ON, is also a strong contender in the only Olympic sport where men and women compete together. And, mounting a threat from south of the border will be 2004 Team and Individual Olympic Silver Medallist Chris Kappler of the United States.

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.

The prizes are not limited to the competitors. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, a pair of Rolling Stones tickets will be given away as door prizes and, on Saturday and Sunday, a pair of first-class VIA-Rail tickets will be drawn for – stay in your seats because the lucky winners must be present to claim their prizes!

And in addition to world-class show jumping, spectators can also enjoy an extensive trade fair featuring a petting zoo, face painting, pony rides, agility dog demonstrations, and the Ottawa Police Canine Unit. Horsepower of a different type is also on display at the Classic Car Show.

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.