July 17, 2005 – Ottawa, Ontario – Frankie Chesler celebrated victory in the $65,000 ‘KUBOTA CUP’ Big Ben Memorial Grand Prix held Sunday at the ‘KUBOTA’ Capital Classic Show Jumping Tournament in Ottawa, ON.

The 24-year-old rider from Orangeville, ON, was the final rider to challenge the jump-off course. Riding VDL Nuit de Pomme, a 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding she has owned for the past six years, Chesler posted a clear round in a time of 46.69 seconds to overtake the lead from Canadian Olympian John Pearce who had clocked in at 46.82 seconds.

“It felt great to win!” said an excited Chesler who benefited from spending last year training and competing in Europe. “VDL Nuit de Pomme had a bone chip removed from his ankle over the winter and had a few months off from competition while he recovered, so is only just starting back at the Grand Prix level. He felt incredible, I had so much horse power, and he is jumping bigger and better than ever.”

Chesler, who is trained by her father, Alan, picked up $18,000 in prize money for the victory.

Pearce, who won this event in 2003 with Champagne, placed second this year riding Archie Bunker, who is only seven-years-old.

“He is a young horse so I have been protecting him a bit,” noted Pearce of Stouffville, ON. “He is just starting his career at this level, but he seems to do it so easily.”

American Ashley Fleischhacker, 19, riding in her first Grand Prix event, qualified for the jump-off with Cycan, her nine-year-old grey Belgian-bred stallion. In the jump-off, she posted a time of 50.78 seconds to place third.

Chris Pratt of Belfountain, ON, was the only other rider to qualify for the jump-off. First to challenge with Susan Grange’s Rivendell, Pratt had the time with 46.26 seconds, but a rail at the second fence cost him the victory.

A total of 31 riders attempted the course set by Canadian course designer Danny Foster. Ainsley Vince of Milton, ON, posted the fastest four-fault round riding Uno to place fifth.

The five-day international show jumping tournament enjoyed took place from July 13-17 at the Nepean National Equestrian Park and featured over 700 horses competing for more than $150,000 in prize money. The 14th annual ‘KUBOTA’ Capital Classic Show Jumping Tournament was honoured to once again benefit The Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada. For more information, please visit www.capitalclassic.ca.

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Rider Hometown Horse Faults Time
1. Frankie Chesler Orangeville, ON VDL Nuit de Pomme 0:0 46.69
2. John Pearce Stouffville, ON Archie Bunker 0:0 46.82
3. Ashley Fleischhacker Wellington, FL Cycan 0:0 50.78
4. Chris Pratt Belfountain, ON Rivendell 0:4 46.26
5. Ainsley Vince Milton, ON Uno 4