July 8, 2007 – Blainville, Quebec – Canada's Darrin Dlin guided Catwalk to victory in the $70,000 Grand Prix Jumping du Quebec held Saturday, July 8, to close out the CSI-W Blainville Jumping International, the first of two consecutive weeks of international show jumping competition taking place at Blainville Equestrian Park in Blainville, QC.

Eight horse-rider combinations jumped clear over the first round course to advance to the jump-off over the difficult track set by Olympic course designer Linda Allen. As the second challenger on the shortened jump-off course, Dlin sped around the track and stopped the clock at 41.68 seconds to move into the lead. None who followed were able to catch his time, giving Dlin the biggest victory of his career to date.

"The first round was excellent, it rode nice and smooth and the footing was good," said Dlin, 37, who is originally from Spruce Grove, AB, and now lives in Wellington, FL. "In the jump-off, my coach said he wanted me to win today so that is what we did."

Interestingly, Dlin was riding the only Canadian-bred horse in the competition. Catwalk, a 10-year-old Oldenburg mare owned by Odyssey Venture Inc., was sired by the famous stallion, Rio Grande. Dlin began training Catwalk as a four-year-old when a client brought her to his barn and then ended up purchasing the mare for himself two years later.

"This victory is very special, especially because we have brought her along since she was a four-year-old," said Dlin, who won $21,000 in prize money for his first place finish. "She is extremely competitive, and she is a part of our family."

The $70,000 Grand Prix Jumping du Quebec was the first World Cup Qualifier of the Canadian League. Dlin now takes the early lead in the race to be one of two Canadian representatives at the 2008 World Cup Final in Goteborg, Sweden.

Finishing second was two-time Canadian Champion Ainsley Vince of Milton, ON, riding Cantero Z. With the eight-year-old grey Zangersheide gelding owned by Iron Horse Farm, Vince posted a time of 43.72 seconds, which netted her a pay cheque of $12,000.

Jonathon and Amy Millar finished third and fourth respectively while their father, eight-time Olympian Ian Millar, took sixth position after having four faults riding Redefin. Breaking up the Millar domination was Frankie Chesler-Ortiz, 26, of Orangeville, ON, who placed fifth riding Ranville, the nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Sher-Al Farms.

Show jumping competition continues with the CSI2* Blainville Jumping International held July 11 to 15 at the picturesque Blainville Equestrian Park. Highlights include Friday's $20,000 Open Welcome Stake, Saturday's $25,000 Challenge Desjardins Modified Grand Prix, and, to cap off two weeks of international show jumping competition, the $50,000 Grand Prix Jumping de Blainville on Sunday, July 15. Luc Musette of Belgium will act as the course designer.

Located just north of Montreal, Blainville Equestrian Park features a variety of attractions that ensure all family members enjoy their visit. For more information, please visit www.classiqueblainville.com or contact Blainville International at tel: (450) 434-8202 ext. 108, e-mail: classiqueblainville@videotron.ca.

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Rider Hometown Horse Faults Time
1. Darrin Dlin Wellington, FL Catwalk 0:0 41.68
2. Ainsley Vince Milton, ON Cantero Z 0:0 43.72
3. Jonathon Millar Perth, ON Chianto 0:0 44.02
4. Amy Millar Perth, ON Costa Rica Z 0:0 44.65
5. Frankie Chesler-Ortiz Orangeville, ON Ranville 0:0 44.96
6. Ian Millar Perth, ON Redefin 0:4 42.93
7. Mac Cone King City, ON Ole 0:4 43.63
8. Kelly Soleau United States Master Man 0:8 48.63