July 16, 2005 – Ottawa, Ontario – The rain put a damper on the competition at the ‘KUBOTA’ Capital Classic Show Jumping Tournament on Saturday in Ottawa, ON, but the spirits of Ian Millar and John Kersley were high after they opted to split the win.

25 of the 39 entries in the $35,000 Jumping Derby had completed the course when lightning and heavy rain put a halt to the competition. Following an hour delay, the competition resumed, but none who attempted the track were able to post clear rounds. That left only eight-time Olympian Millar and Kersley, who had completed clear rounds before the rain fell, qualified for the jump-off. Instead of bringing their horses back from the barn for a jump-off, the athletes agreed to split the prize money awarded for first and second place, giving them $8,500 each.

“This happens from time to time, and always because of inclimate weather,” explained Millar of Perth, ON, who cited three reasons – saving the ground, saving the horses for Sunday’s Grand Prix event, and not wanting to jump fast on slippery grass in the jump-off, he and Kersley agreed not to come back for a second deciding round.

Millar, riding his Athens Olympic mount, the 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, Promise Me, posted the first clear round of the day over the long test of bravery and endurance for both horse and rider. Kersley and Moritze, his 10-year-old Holsteiner gelding, was the only other rider able to match Millar’s faultless performance.

Placing third after jumping the track cleanly but incurring one fault for exceeding the time allowed was Eric Flameng of Belgium riding Mazelle. Last year’s defending champion, Yann Candele of France, placed fourth this year with Dutch after turning in the fastest four-fault round. American challenger Jenny Jones rounded out the top five riding Cassius.

The $35,000 Jumping Derby is a member event of the Marshall and Sterling League.

The five-day ‘Kubota’ Capital Classic Show Jumping Tournament, taking place at the Nepean National Equestrian Park, features over 700 horses competing for more than $150,000 in prize money. The international show jumping tournament culminates on Sunday with the $65,000 ‘KUBOTA CUP’ Big Ben Memorial Grand Prix. Defending Champion Yann Candele, 34, of France will be hoping to defend his title, but will face stiff competition from eight-time Olympian and hometown hero Ian Millar of Perth, ON.

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. Ian Millar Perth, ON Promise Me 0
1. John Kersley Newington, ON Moritze 0
3. Eric Flameng Belgium Mazelle 1
4. Yann Candele France Dutch 4 130.78
5. Jenny Jones United States Cassius 4 132.77