July 13, 2005 – Ottawa, Ontario – Erynn Ballard of Hornby, ON, opened the ‘KUBOTA’ Capital Classic Show Jumping Tournament on Wednesday with a win.

Ballard, 24, was the fastest of 40 entries that took to the Grand Prix field on the opening day of competition, jumping fences set at a height of 1.30m. Riding Paradigm, Ballard stopped the clock at 60.12 seconds, a time that proved unbeatable for those who followed.

Coming closest was Athens Olympics double Silver Medalist Chris Kappler of the United States who rode Lioseta to a time of 62.28 seconds. Another foreign competitor, Yann Candele of France, placed third after riding Lord Concerto in a time of 64.25 seconds. Better known as ‘The Flying Frenchman’, Candele is the defending champion of Saturday’s $35,000 Speed Derby as well as Sunday’s $65,000 ‘Kubota Cup’ Big Ben Memorial Grand Prix.

Canadian Olympian John Pearce of Stouffville, ON, was fourth riding his eight-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding, Urioso, in a time of 64.44 seconds while Sebastien Kapel of The Netherlands rounded out the top five with Mill Creek Alina, owned by Mill Creek Stables of Cambridge, ON.

The five-day ‘Kubota’ Capital Classic Show Jumping Tournament, taking place at the Nepean National Equestrian Park, will feature over 700 horses competing for more than $150,000 in prize money. Featured classes include Friday evening’s $20,000 Open Welcome Stake, Saturday’s $35,000 Jumping Derby, and the grand finale, the $65,000 ‘KUBOTA CUP’ Big Ben Memorial Grand Prix.

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. 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 is enjoying its 14th year of competition. For more information, please visit www.capitalclassic.ca.

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Rider Hometown Horse Faults Time
1. Erynn Ballard Hornby, ON Paradigm 0 60.12
2. Chris Kappler Pittstown, NJ Lioseta 0 62.28
3. Yann Candele France Lord Concerto 0 64.25
4. John Pearce Stouffville, ON Urioso 0 64.44
5. Sebastien Kapel The Netherlands Mill Creek Alina 0 69.28