July 15, 2006 – Ottawa, Ontario – Sarah Johnstone of Aurora, ON, topped the Maclay Medal at the ‘KUBOTA’ Capital Classic Show Jumping Tournament running July 12-16 at the Nepean National Equestrian Park in Ottawa, ON.

Johnstone was riding Landor, an 11-year-old Westphalian gelding owned by North Ridge Farms, in the two-phase competition open to riders 18 and under. A flawless performance in the over fences portion guaranteed that she would be invited back into the ring for the flat phase. After seamlessly riding through the tests, which included counter canter, Johnstone claimed the victory.

“I was happy with the course and it worked well for Landor because he is really good at roll backs,” commented the 15-year-old rider, making reference to the jumping course where horses and riders were required to make tight turns to the next fence on course. “The flat phase was fairly straightforward, and Landor was super.”

The former Grand Prix mount of Canadian Olympian Jay Hayes, Landor has proven to be an excellent equitation mount for Johnstone who began riding him over the winter. Johnstone’s coach is Lauren Hayes, Jay's 26-year-old daughter. She explained that, with the 10 points received for her win, Johnstone is well on her way to qualifying for the Maclay Regional Final, which ultimately leads to the ASPCA Maclay Final.
On only three occasions have Canadian riders claimed the prestigious Maclay Final, formerly held at the now defunct National Horse Show at Madison Square Garden. Laura Tidball-Balisky of British Columbia, Erynn Ballard of Ontario, and Brian Walker of Quebec, have all gone down in history and Johnstone would love to add her name to the list.

The Capital Classic Show Jumping Tournament has proven to be an incredibly successful for Johnstone who also won Thursday’s OHJA Medal as well as finishing second in the Rider's Habit/Grand Prix Junior Medal.

Located in Ottawa’s west-end at the Nepean National Equestrian Park, at the Moodie Drive exit off of the 417 Highway, the 'Kubota' Capital Classic Show Jumping Tournament attracts more than 10,000 spectators annually. Admission is $7 per person Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and $10 per person on Saturday and Sunday. For more information, please visit www.capitalclassic.ca.