July 14, 2005 – Ottawa, Ontario – Eric Lamaze of Schomberg, ON, rode Why Not to victory on Thursday at the ‘KUBOTA’ Capital Classic Show Jumping Tournament running all week in Ottawa, ON.

The three-time Canadian Show Jumping Champion bested a field of 48 riders by posting a clear round in a time of 35.55 seconds. Why Not is owned by Eddie Creed’s Don Eddy Farm in Schomberg, ON, where Lamaze is based.

American Chris Kappler, a double Silver Medalist at the 2004 Athens Olympics, was the runner-up for the second day in a row. Kappler rode Copado to second place in a time of 35.68 seconds.

Yann Candele of France placed both third and fourth. Despite being the first rider on course with Dutch, an 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Windhaven, Candele was third in a jump-off time of 36.19 seconds while the Torrey Pines Stable entry of Peter Pan clocked in at 39.97 seconds to place fourth. Candele, 34, 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 who hails from Stouffville, ON, rounded out the top five with his 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding, Champagne. In 2003, Pearce and Champagne were the winners of the $65,000 ‘Kubota’ Big Ben Memorial Grand Prix, a victory that they will be hoping to repeat on Sunday.

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. Eric Lamaze Schomberg, ON Why Not 0:0 35.55
2. Chris Kappler Pittstown, NJ Copado 0:0 35.68
3. Yann Candele France Dutch 0:0 36.19
4. Yann Candele France Peter Pan 0:0 36.97
5. John Pearce Stouffville, ON Champagne 0:0 39.56