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Hayes Co. Named as the Recipient of the 2009 Equine Canada / Just Add Horses Environment Award

At the Equine Canada Annual Awards Gala, on Saturday February 6, 2010, in Montreal, QC, Hayes Co. was awarded the 2009 Equine Canada / Just Add Horses Environment Award.
Photo ID—Ainsley Hayes of Hayes Co. and Dean Leifso, chair of the Equine Canada awards committee
Photo Credit—Normand Huberdeau

Ottawa, Ontario— Equine Canada proudly announces that the recipient of the 2009 Equine Canada / Just Add Horses Environment Award is Hayes Co.

The Equine Canada / Just Add Horses Environment Award recognizes a member of Equine Canada who practices and promotes outstanding and environmentally-friendly stewardship practices.
With the inception of the Collingwood Horse Show in 1986, so began Hayes Co.

Comprised of the members of the Hayes show jumping family, Hayes Co. managed the Collingwood Horse Show in Collingwood, ON, for 21 years and currently organizes the National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments in Ottawa, ON, and the Ocala Jumping Classic in Ocala, FL.

At each of these shows Hayes Co. implements a strict recycling program for everything from cans and paper to manure. Arrangements are made in the respective communities to have recyclables picked up for processing, while in the case of the National Capital Classic, a local strawberry farmer was offered free delivery of the show’s accumulated manure for use in his farming initiative.

Hayes Co. also encourages participants and spectators at their shows to follow suit in these environmental practices, demonstrating that if it can be done at a large scale event such as theirs, that surely people can do this at home as well.

“We are very honoured to receive this award because we care about the environment, it is so easy to do and it is an essential way to preserve the land and the environment, which is so precious to us,” said Ainsley Hayes of Hayes Co. “Thank you to Equine Canada and Just Add Horses for recognizing the importance of the environment with this award. We hope that everyone in our equestrian community can continue to do their part.”

This award sees the partnership of Equine Canada and Alex Milne and Associates, the makers of Just Add Horses products, and recognizes a member of Equine Canada who practices and promotes outstanding and environmentally-friendly stewardship practices.

At the Equine Canada Annual Awards Gala, on Saturday February 6, 2010, in Montreal, QC, Ainsley Hayes of Hayes Co. was awarded the 2009 Equine Canada / Just Add Horses Environment Award.

About Equine Canada
Equine Canada is Canada’s national governing body for equestrianism. A member-driven, charitable institution, it is the executive branch of the Canadian Equestrian Team, and the national authority for equestrian competition; the national voice for recreational riders; and the national association for equine welfare, breeding, and industry. Equine Canada is recognised by the Government of Canada, the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), and the Canadian Olympic Committee as the national organisation representing equestrian sport and equine interests. For more information about Equine Canada, please visit www.equinecanada.ca.

Yann Candele Wins $75,000 Brookstreet Grand Prix

“Yann Candele of Caledon, ON, guided Pitareusa to victory for owner Susan Grange in the $75,000 Brookstreet Grand Prix on Sunday, August 23, to conclude the CSI2* National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments in Ottawa, ON.”
Photo Credit – Linda Scott Harris

Ottawa, Ontario – Yann Candele of Caledon, ON, edged nine-time Olympian Ian Millar of Perth, ON, to win the $75,000 Brookstreet Grand Prix held Sunday, August 23, to conclude the CSI2* National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments in Ottawa, ON.

Olympic mastermind Leopoldo Palacois of Venezuela built a course that appeared innocuous at first glance, but soon proved to be much tougher than it looked as rails fell time and time again. Of the 29 horses that attempted the track, two were eliminated for refusals while an additional four riders opted to retire, including Millar with his first of two horses, Stedet’s Leroy.

Luckily, Millar had another shot with Redefin and proved that a clear round was possible. Millar’s Olympic Silver Medal teammate, Mac Cone of King City, ON, also produced a clear round with his Olympic horse, Ole, but incurred one time fault after stopping the clock in 93.10 seconds, barely exceeding the 93 second time allowed. Cone, who was celebrating his 57th birthday, finish in third position as only one other rider, Yann Candele, jumped clear to force a jump-off.

As both Millar’s horse, Redefin, and Candele’s mount, Pitareusa, are owned by Susan Grange of Cheltenham, ON, it was going to be a winning day for Grange either way, but the matter of the final placings was still to be decided.

Millar was the first to attempt the shortened jump-off track with Redefin, an 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding. When two rails come down, Candele knew exactly what he had to do to. He started out fast enough with Pitareusa, a 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare, but when the rails continued to stay in place, Candele slowed down to ensure that he jumped the remaining obstacles clear. The strategy cost Candele one time fault, but the win was his.

“I had a huge advantage because I saw Ian and he had two rails,” said Candele, 38, who formerly rode for his native France before receiving his Canadian citizenship in 2008. “I started out efficiently, and then I slowed down for the last three jumps to make sure that I was clear.”

Millar said his jump-off strategy was, “just to be fast and not put at the rails at risk, but to make it difficult enough for Yann and Pitareusa. It wasn’t speed that caused my trouble in the jump-off. I am really at a bit of a loss as to why we had our problems, but that is horses and that is sport.”

Luck did play a part in Millar’s qualification for the jump-off. In his approach to fence 12, Millar knocked down a rail at the front of the obstacle but as it was not the top rail and the height of the jump was not lowered, Millar was not penalized. Millar noted that over his entire grand prix career, which has spanned more than four decades, that unusual occurrence has happened, at most, half a dozen times.

Candele was surprised that more horses did not advance to the jump-off.

“I was expecting more clear rounds,” said Candele. “The course turned out to be way harder than when we walked it. I thought there would be eight to ten horses clear, and Leopoldo was talking about six.”

While Cone finished third with his one time fault, Candele took fourth place with the fastest four round riding Mustique, yet another horse owned by Grange. Fifth place went to Marie Hecart of France, the winner of Saturday’s $15,000 Modified Grand Prix, who also incurred faults riding Why Not for Ashland Stables.

The second and final week of the National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments was rated a CSI2* by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), which meant that in addition to substantial prize money, world ranking points were also on the line.

For more information on the National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments, including full results, please visit www.hayesco.ca.

$75,000 Brookstreet Grand Prix – Ottawa, ON
	Rider	Hometown	Horse	Faults	Time
1.	Yann Candele	Caledon, ON	Pitareusa	0:1	48.93
2.	Ian Millar	Perth, ON	Redefin	0:8	42.55
3.	Mac Cone	King City, ON	Ole	1
4.	Yann Candele	Caledon, ON	Mustique	4
5.	Marie Hecart	France	Why Not	4
6.	Amy Millar	Perth, ON	Costa Rica Z	4
7.	Marie Hecart	France	Ronaldo	4
8.	(tie) Erynn Ballard	Hillsburgh, ON	Simply Ahorn	4
9.	(tie) Beth Underhill	Schomberg, ON	Top Gun	4
10.	Lauren Hunkin	Kemptville, ON	Larry 0146	8
11.	Keean White	Rockwood, ON	Celena Z	8
12.	Hugh Graham	Schomberg, ON	Executive Privilege 3E	8
13.	Jonathon Millar	Perth, ON	Contino 14	8
14.	Leslie Howard	Westport, CT	Hip Hop	8
15.	Angela Lawrence	St. Lazare, QC	Unica	9

Olympic Silver Medal Show Jumping Team Signs Autographs in Ottawa

Ottawa, Ontario – An autograph signing session was held with Canada’s Olympic Silver Medal Show Jumping Team on Saturday, August 22, during the CSI2* National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments at the Nepean National Equestrian Park in Ottawa, ON.

From left to right, Ian Millar of Perth, ON, Jill Henselwood of Oxford Mills, ON, and Mac Cone of King City, ON, signed a show jumping fan’s rain boot.

Fourth team member and Olympic Champion Eric Lamaze of Schomberg, ON, was competing at CSI5* Valkenswaard, The Netherlands, where he placed fourth in the €285,000 Global Champions Tour Grand Prix.

For more information on the National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments, please visit www.hayesco.ca, or call (613) 769-7221.

Photo Credit – Linda Scott Harris

Marie Hecart of France Races to Show Jumping Victory in Ottawa

“Marie Hecart of France won the $15,000 Modified Grand Prix riding Lucas on Saturday, August 22, at the National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments in Ottawa, ON.”
Photo Credit – Linda Scott Harris

Ottawa, Ontario – Talk about stacking the odds in your favour. With three horses qualified for the jump-off, that is exactly what Marie Hecart of France did in the $15,000 Modified Grand Prix held Saturday, August 22, at the National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments at the Nepean National Equestrian Park in Ottawa, ON.

Of the 43 horses that competed, 11 were clear to advance to the jump-off. Although three of those horses belonged to Hecart, it only took one to win. Hecart was the first challenger over Leopoldo Palacios’s shortened jump-off track riding Lucas, and the pair set a blistering pace of 38.02 seconds which had the other competitors scratching their heads, wondering how they could catch her.

Erynn Ballard of Hillsburgh, ON, relied on sheer foot speed as she guided the Canadian-bred Rio’s Rhapsody home in a time of 39.17 seconds, but it was only good enough for second place. Yann Candele who, like Hecart, is a native of Normandy, France, tried a unique approach by hopping over a small hedge on his way to the second fence, but his time of 39.29 seconds left him third with Azzaro van’t Hagenhof, a nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Susan Grange.

Hecart tried to out run herself with both Catalina and Ryan Star du Rezidal, but her times of 39.95 and 40.20 left her in fourth and fifth positions respectfully. The only other rider to post a clear round in the jump-off was 18-year-old Sarah Johnstone of Toronto, ON, whose time of 40.38 seconds placed her sixth with Starlet, a 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare owned by North Ridge. Johnstone trains with Jay Hayes and his daughter, Lauren. Hayes and his wife, Shawn, are the Co-Chairs of the National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments.

With three horses in the top five, Hecart was more than happy with her results.

“I had three chances so I tried to go as fast as I could and it worked out,” said Hecart, 28.

Even losing a shoe on the jump-off course could not slow down Lucas, a 10-year-old chestnut gelding.

“Lucas is the fastest one,” said Hecart of her three jump-off contenders, all of which are owned by Ashland Stables. “If he is clear in the first round, I know I will be in the top three with him in the jump-off. He is very competitive and really smart. He is not lazy, but he is cool, and when he is in the ring, he is a good competitor.”

Hecart will be one of the favourites for Sunday’s $75,000 Brookstreet Grand Prix at 2 p.m. which concludes the 2009 National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments. Week two of the National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments is rated a CSI2* by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), which means that in addition to substantial prize money, world ranking points are also on the line.

On Sunday, admission is $10 per person on Sunday, parking included. Children five and under are admitted free. For more information on the National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments, please visit www.hayesco.ca, or call (613) 769-7221.

$15,000 Modified Grand Prix – Ottawa, ON
	Rider	Hometown	Horse	Faults	Time
1.	Marie Hecart	France	Lucas	0:0	38.02
2.	Erynn Ballard	Hillsburgh, ON	Rio’s Rhapsody	0:0	39.17
3.	Yann Candele	Caledon, ON	Azzaro van’t Hagenhof	0:0	39.29
4.	Marie Hecart	France	Catalina	0:0	39.95
5.	Marie Hecart	France	Ryan Star du Rezidal	0:0	40.20
6.	Sarah Johnstone	Toronto, ON	Starlet	0:0	40.38
7.	Amy Millar	Perth, ON	Romanov	0:4	41.80
8.	Mark Samuel	Toronto, ON	Wembley 234	0:4	43.50
9.	Cody Auer	Fairfield, CT	Timo	0:4	45.54
10.	Angela Lawrence	St. Lazare, QC	Unica	0:5	50.44
11.	Erynn Ballard	Hillsburgh, ON	Simply Ahorn	0:did not start

Hometown Favourite Jonathon Millar Scores Show Jumping Victory

Ottawa, Ontario – The Millar family dominated Friday’s $10,000 CompetitiveJumpers.com Open Welcome with Jonathon Millar of Perth, ON, taking top spot at the National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments at the Nepean National Equestrian Park in Ottawa, ON.

Heavy rains prior to the start of the competition caused a delay and, of the 36 horses entered, only 22 opted to attempt the first round track set in the grass grand prix field by two-time Olympic course designer Leopoldo Palacios of Venezuela. Four successfully mastered the test to advance to the jump-off, and all four were entries from Millar Brooke Farm of Perth, ON. Nine-time Olympian Ian Millar qualified two horses, Redefin and Stedet’s Leroy, while his son, Jonathon, jumped clear with Contino 14. Ottawa’s own Karen Sparks impressed in the first round with Quervo Gold to join her coaches in the jump-off.

First back for the jump-off, Ian Millar, 62, opted for a steady clear with Susan Grange’s Redefin, an 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding. The pair left all the rails in place and crossed the timers in 46.30 seconds to set the standard to beat.

Jonathon Millar, 34, was next with Contino 14, a 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding owned by Millar Brooke Farm. The pair tightened their turns and kept up a steady rhythm to stop the timers in 41.54 seconds, almost five seconds faster than the time set by his father.

“Jonathon Millar of Perth, ON, rode Contino 14 to victory in the $10,000 CompetitiveJumpers.com Open Welcome on Friday, August 21, at the National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments in Ottawa, ON.”
Photo Credit – Linda Scott Harris

Sparks took her turn with Quervo Gold, a 16-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding owned by Brookstreet Stables that she began riding this winter. Although they left all the rails in place, their time of 43.67 seconds was not fast enough to catch Jonathon Millar.

Ian Millar would have the final say with Stedet’s Leroy, a 10-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding owned by DK-USA Sporthorse LLC. When the second fence on course came down, Millar knew he could finish no better than fourth and opted to retire.

“Despite the rain delay, the footing was very good, it drained well and continued to get better and better,” said Jonathon Millar. Noting that all four horses in the jump-off are trained at Millar Brooke Farm, he laughed, “We do so many shows together and it is fun when it works out like this.”

Of his mount, Contino 14, who he began riding this winter, Jonathon Millar said, “Contino is a big horse and he needs to work at being naturally quicker. He needs to learn to run and jump, and he is progressing. This is our last show before Europe, and it is nice that we are on form.”

In September, Jonathon Millar will compete alongside his younger sister, Amy Millar, 32, at a show jumping event in Chantilly, France, followed by a Nations’ Cup team competition in Barcelona, Spain. Amy Millar finished sixth in Friday’s competition riding Romanov and seventh with Costa Rica Z after incurring four faults with both horses.

For runner-up Sparks, placing second in the $10,000 CompetitiveJumpers.com Open Welcome marked her biggest finish to date.

“Quervo Gold has been consistent all year, and today I went for it,” said Sparks, 28. “Quervo Gold is always ready; he just needs me to point him in the right direction. He loves his job and wants to win.”

Sparks will be a hometown favourite when she and Quervo Gold compete in Sunday’s $75,000 Brookstreet Grand Prix at 2 p.m.

Week two of the National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments is rated a CSI2* by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), which means that in addition to substantial prize money, world ranking points are also on the line. The $15,000 Modified Grand Prix is the featured event on Saturday, August 22, while the National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments concludes with the $75,000 Brookstreet Grand Prix on Sunday, August 23, at 2 p.m.

Competition begins each morning at 8 a.m. and is open to the general public. Admission is $5 per person on Thursdays and Fridays, and $10 per person on Saturdays and Sundays, parking included. Children five and under are admitted free.

For more information on the National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments, please visit www.hayesco.ca, or call (613) 769-7221.

$10,000 CompetitiveJumpers.com Open Welcome – Ottawa, ON
	Rider	Hometown	Horse	Faults	Time
1.	Jonathon Millar	Perth, ON	Contino 14	0:0	41.54
2.	Karen Sparks	Ottawa, ON	Quervo Gold	0:0	43.67
3.	Ian Millar	Perth, ON	Redefin	0:0	46.30
4.	Ian Millar	Perth, ON	Stedet’s Leroy	0:RETIRED
5.	Yann Candele	Caledon, ON	Mustique	4
6.	Amy Millar	Perth, ON	Romanov	4
7.	Amy Millar	Perth, ON	Costa Rica Z	4
8.	David Arcand	Mt. Royal, QC	Santos Utopia	4
9.	Yann Candele	Caledon, ON	Pitareusa	5
10.	Lauren Hunkin	Kemptville, ON	Larry 0146	8

Yann Candele Guides Vancouver to Victory in Ottawa

“Yann Candele guided Vancouver to victory for owner Susan Grange in the 1.35m Jumper competition held Thursday, August 20, at the National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments in Ottawa, ON.”
Photo Credit – Linda Scott Harris

Ottawa, Ontario – Yann Candele of Caledon, ON, rode Vancouver to victory in the 1.35m Jumper competition held Thursday, August 20, at the National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments taking place at the Nepean National Equestrian Park in Ottawa, ON.

With the fastest jump-off time of 30.57 seconds, Candele held off local competitor and 2008 Olympic Team Silver Medalist Jill Henselwood of Oxford Mills, ON. Riding Beau Soleil, an eight-year-old mare for owner Bradon Construction, Henselwood was also clear in the jump-off but could not catch the time set by Candele, instead settling for second place after crossing the timers in 31.86 seconds.

“I did not want to go too fast or too crazy, but I made a lot of tight turns and just tried to carry the rhythm,” said Candele, 38.

A native of Normandy, France, Candele received his Canadian citizenship in 2008. France’s loss was Canada’s gain as Candele helped Canada win the Nations’ Cup team competition in Wellington, FL, in February. Candele competed at last year’s National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments and returned this year with 25 horses.

“I started riding him as a five-year-old, and he’s been developing nicely,” said Candele of his winning mount, Vancouver, a seven-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Susan Grange. “He’s very competitive, but he is also very laid-back and easy.”

Of the competition, Candele noted, “I think this event is great. The capital of Canada should have a show of this caliber, if not bigger. It should truly be an international show, with the city’s support.”

Beth Underhill of Schomberg, ON, took third and fourth position in the final standings. Riding Tjengo, her nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, Underhill was clear in the jump-off with a time of 34.23 seconds to place third while Viggo, her eight-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, stopped the clock in 36.87 seconds to finish fourth. Underhill will be a member of Canada’s Nations’ Cup team at the upcoming Spruce Meadows “Masters” Tournament in Calgary, AB.

Current Canadian Show Jumping Champion Keean White, 26, of Rockwood, ON, took fifth place with Bethsabee, an eight-year-old mare that he began riding a few weeks earlier for owner Elm Rock LLC. Despite their quick time of 31.67 seconds, the pair had the second last jump down in the jump-off to place fifth.

Chris Surbey, 22, of Calgary, AB, was the only other rider to advance to the jump-off over the course designed by Leopoldo Palacios of Venezuela, who was the course designer at both the 2000 and 2008 Olympic Games. Riding Loustik de Breuil for owner Paul Bland, Surbey had two fences down in the jump-off for a total of eight faults to finish sixth.

Friday’s featured event is the $10,000 CompetitiveJumpers.com Open Welcome. Candele will have three mounts entered, Mustique, Pitareusa and Game Ready, all owned by Susan Grange.

For more information on the National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments, please visit www.hayesco.ca, or call (613) 769-7221.

$15,000 ATCO Derby – Ottawa, ON
	Rider	Hometown	Horse	Faults	Time
1.	Yann Candele	Caledon, ON	Vancouver	0:0	30.57
2.	Jill Henselwood	Oxford Mills, ON	Beau Soleil	0:0	31.86
3.	Beth Underhill	Schomberg, ON	Tjengo	0:0	34.23
4.	Beth Underhill	Schomberg, ON	Viggo	0:0	36.87
5.	Keean White	Rockwood, ON	Bethsabee	0:4	31.67
6.	Chris Surbey	Calgary, AB	Loustik de Breuil	0:8	33.46

World’s Best Come to Ottawa’s National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments

Ottawa, Ontario – Top international show jumping athletes remain in Ottawa for the second and final week of competition in the National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments. With the first week concluded, week two opened on Wednesday, August 19, and runs through Sunday, August 23 at the Nepean National Equestrian Park in Ottawa, ON.

Competitors representing not only Canada, but also Belgium, France, the United States, and Venezuela, have traveled to Ottawa to contest the international show jumping tournament. During the first week of competition, Marie Hecart of France won the $10,000 The Marshes Open Welcome held Friday, August 14, riding Ronaldo. On Saturday, the victory went south of the border when Leslie Howard, Team Gold Medalist at the 1984 Olympic Games and Team Silver Medalist at the 1996 Olympic Games for the United States, guided Lennox Lewis 2 to the win in the $15,000 ATCO Derby.

On Sunday, a showdown between 28-year-old Erynn Ballard of Hillsburgh, ON, and 62-year-old Ian Millar of Perth, ON, in the $25,000 National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments Grand Prix saw Ballard come out on top riding Simply Ahorn. Ballard was the only rider to produce two clear rounds over the testing track designed by Brazil’s Guilherme Jorge, while Millar, a nine-time Olympian and Team Silver Medalist at the 2008 Olympic Games, incurred one time fault riding Stedet’s Leroy.

For week two, two-time Olympic course designer Leopoldo Palacios of Venezuela has taken over designing duties on the grass grand prix field at the Nepean National Equestrian Park, widely considered to be the best in eastern Canada. Three-quarters of Canada’s 2008 Silver Medal Team – Millar, local athlete Jill Henselwood of Oxford Mills, ON, and Mac Cone of King City, ON – are in Ottawa and at the top of their game.

Ballard will be looking to make it two for two in Sunday’s $75,000 Brookstreet Grand Prix, but will face stiff opposition from current Canadian Show Jumping Champion, Keean White of Rockwood, ON, not to mention Amy and Jonathon Millar, who have both inherited their father’s talent for show jumping. Canadian Olympians Jay Hayes of Orangeville, ON, and Beth Underhill of Schomberg, ON, will also be competing.

Week two of the National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments is rated a CSI2* by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), which means that in addition to substantial prize money, world ranking points are also on the line. Featured events include the $10,000 CompetitiveJumpers.com Open Welcome on Friday, August 21, and the $15,000 Modified Grand Prix on Saturday, August 22. The National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments concludes with the $75,000 Brookstreet Grand Prix on Sunday, August 23, at 2 p.m.

For more information on the National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments, please visit www.hayesco.ca, or call (613) 769-7221.

“The Grand Prix field at the Nepean National Equestrian Park, home of the National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments in Ottawa, ON.”
Photo Credit – Linda Scott Harris

Ottawa Sun photo gallery • ottawa sun video

American Leslie Howard Knocks Out Competition in $15,000 ATCO Derby

Ottawa, Ontario – American Leslie Howard knocked out the competition riding Lennox Lewis 2 to win the $15,000 ATCO Derby held Saturday, August 15, at the National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments in Ottawa, ON.

With 18 horse-rider combinations tackling the challenging course set by world renowned course designer Guilherme Jorge of Brazil, which included the devil’s dyke, the stone wall drop and two gallops down the bank, only three horses were eligible to return for a thrilling jump-off. Two of those horses belonged to American Olympic Team Silver Medalist, Leslie Howard.

France’s Marie Hecart and Lucas, a 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Ashland Stables Inc, were the first pair back in the jump-off. Starting out with a fast gallop and time-saving turns, Hecart stopped the timers in 32.60 seconds and put pressure on Howard, the next rider in the jump-off, to go even quicker in order to win.

With two horses qualified, Howard opted not to jump-off with Raimond W, her 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding. With Lennox Lewis 2, Peter Howard’s 10-year-old Oldenburg gelding, Howard expertly blazed through the shortened course, jumping the fences at incredible angles to save time. Howard left all the fences up and set time of 30.98, shaving almost two seconds of Hecart’s time for the win. By withdrawing Raimono W from the jump-off, Howard also automatically finished in third.

“Both my horses were super today, and I could not have asked for more,” said Howard of Westport, CT. “I watched Marie go and I knew that I could not beat her with Raimond, so I just went with Lenox. He is fast like a Ferrari. I knew I had a shot to win and it worked out.”

Taking fourth place with the fastest four fault first round, in a time of 131.15, was Peter Gisborn of Erin, ON, and Sir R. Fifth place went to Cody Auer of Fairfield, CT, riding Timo, a nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, to a four fault round in a time of 132.28 seconds.

Following her victory in the $15,000 ATCO Derby, Howard plans to continue her winning ways in Sunday’s featured event, the $25,000 National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments Grand Prix, with three horses, Lennox Lewis 2, Utah and Hip Hop. The Grand Prix is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m.

The National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments hosts its second week of competition from August 19-23. Sanctioned by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), week two will feature the $10,000 CompetitiveJumpers.com Open Welcome on Friday, August 21. On Saturday evening, August 22, the $15,000 Modified Grand Prix and a BBQ will be held in support of the United Way City of Ottawa Campaign. The National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments concludes with the $75,000 Brookstreet Grand Prix on Sunday, August 23.

For more information on the National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments, please visit www.hayesco.ca, or call (613) 769-7221.

$15,000 ATCO Derby – Ottawa, ON
	Rider	Hometown	Horse	Faults	Time
1.	Leslie Howard	Westport, CT	Lennox Lewis 2	0:0	30.98
2.	Marie Hecart	France	Lucas	0:0	32:60
3.	Leslie Howard	Westport, CT	Raimono W	0:dns
4.	Peter Gisborn	Erin, ON	Sir R	4	131.15
5.	Cody Auer	Fairfield, CT	Timo	4	132.28
6.	Lauren Hayes	Orangeville, ON	Sweet Leonie	6	143.24
7.	Taylor Bland	Calgary, AB	Tango Las Marismas	8	122.31
8.	Ian Millar	Perth, ON	Dryden	8	122.69

Erynn Ballard is Simply Unbeatable in $25,000 National Capital Grand Prix

Ottawa, Ontario – Erynn Ballard of Hillsburgh, ON, produced the only faultless performance riding Simply Ahorn to win the $25,000 National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments Grand Prix held Sunday, August 16, in Ottawa, ON.

A total of 34 horse and rider combinations negotiated the course designed by Guilherme Jorge of Brazil with six producing clear rounds to advance to the jump-off. Two riders also jumped clear, but incurred one time fault for exceeding the 87-second time allowed. Ballard riding Sorbette left all the rails in place but stopped the clock in 87.35 seconds to finish seventh while Margie Gayford of Sharon, ON, guided Showgirl to a clear effort in a time of 87.63 seconds to place eighth.

Photo Credit – Linda Scott Harris

Leslie Howard, a 1984 team gold and 1996 team silver medalist for the United States, opened the jump-off with Utah, an eight-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by The Utah Group. A tight roll back to the Brookledge signature jump cost them a rail, and the pair finished with four faults in a time of 41.59 seconds which would prove to be good enough for fourth place.

Ballard was next in the ring with Simply Ahorn, an eight-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding bred in Canada. The pair produced a clear round in a time of 41.35, setting the standard to beat.

Canadian Team Silver Medalist Mac Cone of King City, ON, was next on to the grass grand prix field with Unanimous, an impressive eight-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by The Unanimous Group. Again, the Brookledge jump came down, and the pair’s conservative time of 45.78 seconds would leave them in sixth position. Ottawa fans were also treated to a performance by Cone’s 2008 Beijing Olympic mount, Ole. The pair had a four-fault performance in the first round to place 11th overall.

France’s Marie Hecart, 28, and Ronaldo were favoured to win following their convincing victory in Friday’s $10,000 The Marshes Open Welcome. However, the Brookledge fence once again ended hopes of a win, and the native of Normandy settled for fifth place.

Howard of Westport, CT, then returned to the ring with Lennox Lewis 2, the 10-year-old Oldenburg gelding she had guided to victory in Saturday’s $15,000 ATCO Derby. Although the pair stopped the clock with the fastest jump-off performance, 40.57 seconds, a fallen rail placed them third.

The crowd was behind the final jump-off challenger, Ian Millar of Perth, ON, aboard Stedet’s Leroy, a 10-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding that he began riding earlier this season. With the advantage of having seen the riders before him, Millar opted for a conservative performance which included a wide turn to the problematic Brookledge fence. Although the rails stayed in the cups, Millar’s slow time of 53.54 seconds cost him one time penalty, and the nine-time Olympian conceded victory to Ballard.

“Leroy is new to this work and he is not what you would call a naturally fast horse,” explained Millar, 62, of his jump-off tactic. “I had two choices. I could slow down and go for the clear round, or I could keep the hammer down and try to be the fastest. Everything went well for Erynn. I wanted to jump it clear, take second, and try again next week.”

Millar collected $5,000 for his second place finish while Ballard rode away with the lion’s share of the prize money, earning $7,500.

“My plan was to go double clear, and he is a naturally fast horse,” said Ballard of Simply Ahorn, her first of four entries in the Grand Prix. “He is a competitive horse, and he is a winner. He is a cocky horse. Every time he goes in the ring, he goes to win – he doesn’t want to be second. He really wants to keep the jumps up, probably more than any other horse I have ever ridden.”

Ballard will be looking to make it two for two in next week’s $75,000 Brookstreet Grand Prix when she saddles up both Simply Ahorn and Sorbette. However, she will face stiff competition as Millar will be bringing out his Olympic Silver Medal mount, In Style. In addition to prize money, next week’s grand prix event, rated a CSI2* by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), also has world ranking points on the line.

The National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments hosts its second week of competition from August 19-23, featuring the $10,000 CompetitiveJumpers.com Open Welcome on Friday, August 21. On Saturday evening, August 22, the $15,000 Modified Grand Prix and a BBQ will be held in support of the United Way City of Ottawa Campaign. The National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments concludes with the $75,000 Brookstreet Grand Prix on Sunday, August 23, at 2 p.m.

For more information on the National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments, please visit www.hayesco.ca, or call (613) 769-7221.

$25,000 National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments Grand Prix – Ottawa, ON
	Rider	Hometown	Horse	Faults	Time
1.	Erynn Ballard	Hillsburgh, ON	Simply Ahorn	0:0	41.35
2.	Ian Millar	Perth, ON	Stedet’s Leroy	0:1	53.54
3.	Leslie Howard	Westport, CT	Lennox Lewis 2	0:4	40.57
4.	Leslie Howard	Westport, CT	Utah	0:4	41.59
5.	Marie Hecart	france	Ronaldo	0:4	42.00
6.	Mac Cone	King City, ON	Unanimous	0:4	45:78
7.	Erynn Ballard	Hillsburgh, ON	Sorbette	1
8.	Margie Gayford	Sharon, ON	Showgirl	1
9.	Lauren Hunkin	Ottawa, ON	Larry 0146	4
10.	Cody Auer	Fairfield, CT	Okido	4
11.	Mac Cone	King City, ON	Ole	4
12.	Beth Underhill	Schomberg, ON	Tjengo	4

“Erynn Ballard and Simply Ahorn won the $25,000 National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments Grand Prix on Sunday, August 16, in Ottawa, ON.”
Photo Credit – Linda Scott Harris

France’s Marie Hecart Receives Warm Welcome in Ottawa

“Marie Hecart and Ronaldo won the $10,000 The Marshes Open Welcome on Friday, August 14, at the National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments in Ottawa, ON.”
Photo Credit – Linda Scott Harris

Ottawa, Ontario – It was a victory for France as Marie Hecart raced to the win in the $10,000 The Marshes Open Welcome held Friday, August 14, at the National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments in Ottawa, ON.

A total of 30 horse-rider combinations took their shot at victory over the track set by world renowned course designer Guilherme Jorge of Brazil. Nine succeeded in clearing all the obstacles to set the stage for an exciting jump-off.

As only the third rider back for the jump-off, Hecart sped around the grass jumping field, shaving corners and leaving out strides with Ronaldo, an 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Ashland Stables Inc. She stopped the clock in 41.82 seconds, a time that no other competitor came close to catching.

“It did not feel that fast,” said Hecart, 28, of Normandy, France. “I know Ronaldo pretty well, and he has a lot of experience. He is really smart, really careful and really brave. He does everything with his heart. He wants to be clear, and he tries hard.”

Taking second place with a clear jump-off performance in a time of 43.15 seconds was Canadian Olympian Beth Underhill of Schomberg, ON. Underhill was riding Tjengo, her nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding.

The National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments hosts its second week of Ottawa’s Jill Henselwood, a member of the Silver Medal Team at last year’s Olympic Games, guided Beau Soliel to a third place finish in a time of 43.72 seconds while another local competitor, Amy Millar, took fourth place with a time of 43.84 seconds riding Romanov, an 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding that she will compete with next month in France and Spain. Toronto’s Mark Samuel placed fifth riding Wembley 234 after crossing the timers in 45.24 seconds.

The only other double clear performance belonged to nine-time Olympian Ian Millar riding Dryden, an eight-year-old Belgian Warmblood stallion owned by Susan Grange. Despite making a daring cut to the second-last obstacle, the pair’s time of 47.58 seconds was only good enough for sixth place. Millar also took seventh with his other entry, Stedet’s Leroy, after knocking down the final fence on the shortened jump-off course.

With her victory in the $10,000 The Marshes Open Welcome, Hecart is favoured to win not only Saturday’s $15,000 ATCO Derby where speed and agility are paramount, but also Sunday’s featured event, the $25,000 National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments Grand Prix. Both the Derby and the Grand Prix are scheduled to begin at 2 p.m.

For more information on the National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments, please visit www.hayesco.ca, or call (613) 769-7221.

$10,000 The Marshes Open Welcome – Ottawa, ON
	Rider	Hometown	Horse	Faults	Time
1.	Marie Hecart	France	Ronaldo	0:0	41.82
2.	Beth Underhill	Schomberg, ON	Tjengo	0:0	43.15
3.	Jill Henselwood	Oxford Mills, ON	Beau Soliel	0:0	43.72
4.	Amy Millar	Perth, ON	Romanov	0:0	43.84
5.	Mark Samuel	Toronto, ON	Wembley234	0:0	45.24
6.	Ian Millar	Perth, ON	Dryden	0:0	47.58
7.	Ian Millar	Perth, ON	Stedet’s Leroy	0:4	44.40
8.	Cody Auer	United States	Okido	0:4	46.24
9.	Margie Gayford	Sharon, ON	Showgirl	0:4	54.50

National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments Open in Ottawa

Ottawa, Ontario – The National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments opened on Wednesday, August 12, bringing international show jumping competition to Ottawa, ON, for the next two weeks.

Running August 12-16 and August 19-23, the biggest names in show jumping will compete at the Nepean National Equestrian Park located at Moodie Drive and the 417 highway. Three-quarters of Canada’s Olympic Silver Medal Team are in attendance including nine-time Olympian Ian Millar of Perth, ON. He is joined by Ottawa native Jill Henselwood and Mac Cone of King City, ON.

“The quality of this competition is what makes it special,” said Millar, 62, who is the Honourary Chair of this year’s National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments and will be competing with his Olympic mount, In Style. “It is also in the community where I live, and I have family that can come out and enjoy the show.”

Henselwood, whose training center is based south of the city in Oxford Mills, ON, echoed Millar’s sentiments.

“Ottawa is my hometown, and I take great pride in jumping here,” said Henselwood, 46. “My students are very excited to be competing here. I also have a lot of family and friends that are coming out to watch.”

Brookstreet hotel owner Terry Matthews attended opening day at the National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments. As the partner hotel of the National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments, Brookstreet is home to many of the international competitors for two weeks. Brookstreet will host a competitor barbeque as well as a charity golf tournament at The Marshes on Monday, August 17, which is open to the general public. Brookstreet is also the title sponsor of the grand finale, the $75,000 Brookstreet Grand Prix on Sunday, August 23.

“These events ought to be about having fun, and here we are in the national capital with a great event,” said Matthews whose daughter, grand prix competitor Karen Sparks, trains with Millar. “This is turning out to be a great event and I'm delighted to be a part of it. I never get involved with anything short term with Ian, so we’re here long term. He's getting older, so am I, and we're both having fun. We'll make sure that we have a great event, and that it will go on for many years to come.”

The first week of competition will feature the $10,000 Marshes Open Welcome on Friday, August 14, followed by the popular Grooms Class and the JustWorld International Horseless Horse Show, which sees children competing on foot over minituare jumps. Saturday features the $15,000 ATCO Derby while the $25,000 National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments Grand Prix begins at 2 p.m. on Sunday, August 16.

Week two, sanctioned by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), will feature the $10,000 CompetitiveJumpers.com Open Welcome on Friday, August 21. On Saturday evening, August 22, the $15,000 Modified Grand Prix and a BBQ will be held in support of the United Way City of Ottawa Campaign. The National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments concludes with the $75,000 Brookstreet Grand Prix on Sunday, August 23.

Co-Chairs are two-time Canadian Olympian Jay Hayes and his wife, Shawn, while Event Coordinator, Ainsley Hayes, organizes and manages the National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments for the family-run Hayes Co.

“The support from the community is strong, and it is the primary reason we brought this event to Ottawa,” said Ainsley Hayes. “The fans are loyal, and are great supporters of show jumping. Local support is vital to the continuation of this world-class event. Without it, we could not bring a show jumping tournament of this caliber to the Ottawa area.”

For more information on the National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments, please visit www.hayesco.ca, or call (613) 769-7221.

“From left to right – Ian Millar, Terry Matthews, Karen Sparks, Ainsley Hayes, Mac Cone and Jay Hayes.”
Photo Credit – Linda Harris

National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments By the Numbers

Ottawa, Ontario – The National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments bring international show jumping competition to the Nepean National Equestrian Park in Ottawa, ON, from August 12-16 and 19-23.

An incredible amount of infrastructure is necessary to produce a two-week international equestrian tournament.

“There is so much that goes in to setting up an event of this size and calibre, and many people are not aware of the incredible amount of logistics that take place behind the scenes, let alone the economic impact that it has on the City of Ottawa,” said Ainsley Hayes, Event Coordinator of the National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments. “We literally bring in a village, set it up, and make it our home for two weeks. Then we are gone again, leaving the grounds in pristine condition for the next event that takes place at the Nepean National Equestrian Park.”

“Ainsley Hayes, Event Coordinator of the National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments.”
Photo Credit – Linda Scott Harris

Here is a look at the National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments, by the numbers.

Number of competitors – 2,000
Number of horses – 500
Number of stabling tents – 18
Number of stalls – 650
Number of employees – 46
Number of commercial vendors – 29
Number of food vendors – 6
Number of garbage cans – 92
Number of recycling bins – 92
Number of dumpsters – 49
Tonnes of waste produced – 7.94
Tonnes of recycling – 4.32
Tonnes of manure – 207.38
Number of hotel nights – 2,059
Average number of meals eaten out per exhibitor, per day – 2
Number of loads of horse laundry – 1,200
Number of loads of gravel for stabling area – 15
Number of competition jumps – 150
Number of tent feet – 540
Number of bleachers – 60
Number of portolets – 30
Number of tractors – 8
Number of dollars spent in the City of Ottawa – approximately $6 Million
Number of hay bales – 2,000
Number of bags of wood shavings – 9,912
Number of tables in the VIP Tent – 35
Number of competition rings – 4
Number of days to set up before competition – 7
Number of days to clean up after competition – 7

The first week of competition at the National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments features the $10,000 Marshes Open Welcome on Friday, August 14, at 2 p.m. Saturday features the $15,000 ATCO Derby at 2 p.m. while the $25,000 National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments Grand Prix begins at 2 p.m. on Sunday, August 16.

For more information on the National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments, please visit www.hayesco.ca, or call (613) 769-7221.

JustWorld Brings Horseless Horse Show to National Capital Tournament

Ottawa, Ontario – JustWorld International will once again partner with a major show jumping tournament to raise funds for underprivileged children in developing nations. Joining forces with the National Capital Show Jumping Tournament, JustWorld fundraising events will be held throughout the first of two weeks of competition, August 12-16, at the Nepean National Equestrian Park in Ottawa, ON.

The popular Horseless Horse Show, which sees human competitors of all ages tackle jumps on foot, and ‘The Candy Shoppe’ fashion show are two of the events being featured.

The Horseless Horse Show is the highlight of JustWorld’s trademark fundraising events and is always a crowd pleaser for competitors and spectators alike. The Horseless Horse Show will take place on the evening on Friday, August 14, in the grand prix ring, following the fun-filled Groom’s Class. The Horseless Horse Show, sponsored by Brookstreet Hotel, invites children of all ages to participate on foot in a variety of different classes including Short Stirrup, Children’s Jumper, High Jump, Pair Relay and the Grand Prix. The obstacles, which include many creative sponsor jumps, will be set by renowned course designer Guilherme Jorge of Brazil.

On Sunday evening, August 16, ‘The Candy Shoppe’ fashion show, produced by designer Regan Hayes, will be held at the Brookstreet Hotel. Many show jumping competitors will be acting as models, making for a light-hearted evening of entertainment.

The JustWorld International Horseless Horse Show will take place on Friday, August 14, during the 2009 National Capital Show Jumping Tournament in Ottawa, ON.
Photo by: Sportfot.com

Proceeds from both the Horseless Horse Show and ‘The Candy Shoppe’ fashion show will go directly towards helping underprivileged children at JustWorld project sites in Brazil, Cambodia, Guatemala, Honduras and Senegal.

Founded by former grand prix competitor Jessica Newman, JustWorld International has worked to bring together the equestrian community and others with the goal of improving the lives of disadvantaged children in the developing world. With show jumping riders around the world signing up to become JustWorld Rider Ambassadors, Newman has mobilized some of the sport's biggest names towards supporting JustWorld’s projects in Brazil, Cambodia, Guatemala, Honduras, and Kenya. There are currently over 200 Rider Ambassadors from 27 different countries, ranging from nine-year-old pony riders to Olympic medalists, who help bring attention to JustWorld International’s cause.

Through donations of prize money or proceeds from clinics, volunteering at the JustWorld International events and project sites, or simply by telling people about JustWorld's projects, these riders have chosen to make a difference by competing . . . with a purpose. With many of the Rider Ambassadors wearing the JustWorld signature blue jacket every time they go in the ring, as well as custom saddle pads, bonnets and fly sheets, JustWorld is at the forefront of the equestrian stage.

For more information about JustWorld’s involvement at the National Capital Show Jumping Tournament, or to find out how you can become a sponsor or a rider ambassador, please visit www.justworldinternational.org or contact Executive Director Jessica Newman at jnewman@justworldinternational.org.

Founded in 2002, JustWorld International raises awareness and funds in the equestrian community to support humanitarian projects that benefit impoverished communities and children in the developing world. Cooperating with local partners, JustWorld International implements sustainable, culturally sensitive education, health and vocational projects. For more information on JustWorld International and its upcoming fundraising events, please visit www.justworldinternational.org.

Show Jumping Returns to the Nation’s Capital

Ottawa, Ontario – International show jumping sport will have its home in Ottawa, ON, when the National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments return from August 12-16 and August 19-23, 2009.

The two-week show jumping tournament will take place at the Nepean National Equestrian Park, conveniently located at the 417 Queensway and Moodie Drive. Numerous Olympians will be in attendance including local area residents Ian Millar of Perth, ON, and Jill Henselwood of Oxford Mills, ON, both members of Canada’s Silver Medal Team at the 2008 Olympic Games. In addition to competing, Millar, a nine-time Olympian, is the Honourary Chair of the National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments.

During the first week of competition, the ‘National Open’ will feature the $10,000 Marshes Open Welcome on Friday, August 14, the $15,000 ATCO Derby on Saturday, and the $25,000 National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments Grand Prix on Sunday, August 16. Hunter competitors will also be in the spotlight during the $2,500 Hunter Derby on the grand prix field. During week one, renowned course designer Guilherme Jorge of Brazil will set the tracks in the grand prix ring, widely considered to be the best grass jumping field in eastern Canada.

Week two, dubbed the ‘CSI** National Tournament’ and sanctioned by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), will feature the $10,000 CompetitiveJumpers.com Open Welcome on Friday, August 21. On Saturday evening, August 22, the $15,000 Modified Grand Prix and a BBQ will be held in support of the United Way. The grand finale of the National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments will be the $75,000 Brookstreet Grand Prix on Sunday, August 23. Two-time Olympic course designer Leopoldo Palacios of Venezuela will handle course design duties during the CSI** National Tournament.

A wide variety of fun events are also planned. The popular Grooms Class will be held on Friday, August 14, followed by a JustWorld International Horseless Horse Show. A Candy Shoppe Fashion Show, produced by Regan Hayes, will be held at the Brookstreet Hotel on Sunday evening, August 16. A golf tournament at The Marshes on Monday, August 17, will also provide a diversion from the rigors of competition.

The National Capital Show Jumping Tournament is produced by the Hayes Family. Co-Chairs are two-time Canadian Olympian Jay Hayes and his wife, Shawn, while Event Coordinator, Ainsley Hayes, organizes and manages the Tournaments for the family-run Hayes Co.

“We are committed to bringing two great weeks of world-class show jumping to the nation’s capital,” said Ainsley Hayes. “The Nepean National Equestrian Park provides a world-class venue for show jumping and the fans in Ottawa are second to none, guaranteeing an enjoyable experience for competitors and spectators alike.”

“Mrs. Ann Matthews congratulates Canadian Olympian Mario Deslauriers on winning the $75,000 Brookstreet Grand Prix with Obelix R at the 2008 National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments in Ottawa, ON.”
Yavuz photography

Beth Underhill Wins $50,000 Ocala International Grand Prix

“Canadian Olympian Beth Underhill riding Cantero Z won the $50,000 Grand Prix at the 2009 Ocala Jumping Classic in Ocala, Florida.”
Picture by David Mullinix

Ocala, Florida – Canadian Olympian Beth Underhill won the $50,000 Ocala International Grand Prix, Presented by Brook Ledge Inc., held Sunday, April 5, during the first of two weeks of competition at the Ocala Jumping Classic held at the Florida Horse Park in Ocala, Florida.

A total of 27 horses attempted the track set by FEI course designer Mauricio Garcia of Puerto Rico with five leaving all the jumps in place to advance to the jump-off. Underhill, who had been third on course during the opening round, was the first to return for the shortened jump-off course riding Cantero Z. Underhill guided the 10-year-old grey Zangersheide gelding home clear in a time of 35.16 seconds, setting the standard for those that followed.

Ocala’s own Aaron Vale was next in the all-weather ring riding Sinatra. The pair looked to be on target to catch Underhill’s time when the final fence, the Brook Ledge vertical, fell to the ground, leaving Vale in fifth place.

Underhill then returned to the ring with her second qualified mount, Top Gun. The nine-year-old grey Dutch Warmblood gelding was also clear but in a slower time of 37.69 seconds to earn third place.

U.S. Olympian Leslie Howard took up the challenge with Lennox Lewis but, despite having the fastest jump-off time, incurred a rail at the second element of the double combination to place fourth.

The final challenger was Canada’s Hugh Graham who had won Saturday’s $5,000 Modified Grand Prix with Fifth Estate 3E. Riding Executive Privilege 3E, a Canadian Sport Horse gelding bred by owner King Ridge Stables, Graham was clear, but his time of 36.18 seconds was not fast enough to catch Underhill.

For her victory with Cantero Z, Underhill earned $15,000 in prize money plus an additional $6,500 for third place with Top Gun. Both horses are owned by Iron Horse Farm of Hamilton, ON.

“Cantero Z is a naturally fast horse, he’s very quick across the jumps, so I put on as much pressure as I felt I could without knocking anything down,” explained Underhill of her jump-off strategy. “He is not a big horse, but he is feisty and fights hard to win. He responded to everything I asked of him. I had the luxury of having Top Gun in the jump-off as well and I was prompt and efficient, but having a clean round was the priority.”

Underhill also won Thursday’s $5,000 1.40m competition with Cantero Z and placed second with Top Gun. On Friday, she won the $10,000 Open Welcome with Magdaline, a 15-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare owned by Darryl B. Williams and Associates Inc.

“We had one of those weeks that come along once in a blue moon,” said Underhill, who will continue to compete during the second and final week of the Ocala Jumping Classic before returning home to Schomberg, ON. “All of my horses loved the venue and loved the footing. I had been second in the $100,000 HITS Grand Prix in Ocala two weeks earlier with Cantero Z and for him to stay in that kind of winning form was gratifying. He is really enjoying himself and having fun. My whole group was right on form.”

The fourth annual Ocala Jumping Classic continues from April 9-12 at the Florida Horse Park in Ocala, FL, and will once again feature a $50,000 Grand Prix, Presented by Brook Ledge Inc., on Sunday, April 12.

“Congratulations to Beth Underhill who enjoyed a phenomenal week, culminating with her win in the $50,000 Ocala International Grand Prix, Presented by Brook Ledge Inc.,” said Ainsley Hayes, Manager of the Ocala Jumping Classic. “We had a great week of competition with unbelievably nice weather, and we are looking forward to another great week.”

On Sunday, April 12, a catered luncheon will be held in support of JustWorld International, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of disadvantaged children in the developing world. Seats are available for $35 per person for each event, while tables of 10 are offered for $300.

For more information, please visit www.hayesco.ca, or contact Ainsley Hayes at e-mail ainsley@hayesco.ca or cell (416) 846-8419.

$50,000 Ocala International Grand Prix, Presented by Brook Ledge Inc. – Final Results

Rider Hometown Horse Faults Time
1. Beth Underhill Schomberg, ON Cantero Z 0:0 35.16
2. Hugh Graham Loretto, ON Executive Privilege 3E 0:0 36.18
3. Beth Underhill Schomberg, ON Top Gun 0:0 37.69
4. Leslie Howard Fairfield, CT Lennox Lewis 0:4 34.71
5. Aaron Vale Ocala, FL Sinatra 0:4 35.25

Fourth Annual Ocala Jumping Classic Set for April

Ocala, Florida - The fourth annual Ocala Jumping Classic will host two $50,000 Grand Prix events during its two-week horse show running April 2-5 and April 9-12 at the Florida Horse Park in Ocala, Florida.

The Ocala International, held from April 2-5, and the Ocala Jumping Classic, held April 9-12, will offer a full schedule of classes for jumpers with generous prize money, special pricing deals, and exhibitor events. Free stalls are offered for horses competing in both $50,000 grand prix events.

Each week of competition boasts a $50,000 Grand Prix on Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m., the second of which is presented by Brook Ledge, Inc. A $10,000 1.45-1.50m class will be the feature event on both Fridays while each Saturday offers a $5,000 Modified Grand Prix.

Six divisions of jumper classes are offered at the Ocala Jumping Classic to suit horses and riders at every level, ranging from 1m up to 1.45-1.50m. All classes are held on all-weather footing.

“We are committed to hosting two great weekends of show jumping, and we will do all that we can to make the experience pleasant and memorable for everyone,” said Ainsley Hayes, Manager of the Ocala Jumping Classic.

“Canadian Olympian Beth Underhill riding Magdaline won the $50,000 Grand Prix at the 2007 Ocala Jumping Classic.”
Xpress Foto

On Sunday, April 5, and Sunday, April 12, a catered luncheon will be held in support of JustWorld International, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of disadvantaged children in the developing world. Lunch will be served at 1:30 p.m. in the hospitality tent overlooking the grand prix ring. A cash bar will be available, and the awards ceremony will be held in the tent. Seats are available for $35 per person for each event, while tables of 10 are offered for $300.

“We are proud to have the Ocala Jumping Classic as one of our partner events,” said Jessica Newman, Executive Director of JustWorld International. “With the experienced Hayes family at the helm, the Ocala Jumping Classic promises to be a first-class event, and we extend the best of luck to JustWorld Ambassador, Lauren Hayes.”

For more information on the fourth annual Ocala Jumping Classic, please visit www.hayesco.ca, or contact Ainsley Hayes at e-mail ainsley@hayesco.ca or cell (416) 846-8419.

Leone wins $40,000 NCSJT in classic style on Candide

Peter Leone rides Candide to victory in the $40,000 NCSJT Grand Prix at the Nepean National Equestrian Park.
YAVUZ PHOTO

August 17, 2008—Ottawa, ON—While the current Olympic equestrians were planning strategy for their next show jumping course in Hong Kong, a trio of riders with some Games’ experience between them were facing off a little closer to home.

The jump off in the $40,000 NCSJT Grand Prix included Jay Hayes from Orangeville, Ont., who competed in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics on his grey bucking stallion Zucarlos, and Americans Leslie Howard and Peter Leone. Howard won team gold in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics and team silver with Leone in 1996 in Atlanta.

Lauren Hunkin, who rode to her first Grand Prix victory in June—and followed it up with her second a week later—was the only other rider in the field of 20 to keep all the fences intact and complete the course in the allotted time of82 seconds. She was also the first rider on course and her careful, controlled round on Larry, a dark brown 10-year-old Oldenburg gelding owned by Synergy Farm, made navigating designer Guilherme Jorge’s 13 jumps look achievable, if not easy.

But for the next 13 horses and their riders it was not. The final jump, a wide oxer designed as a wishing well was a curse rather than a blessing for many of them. Then Hayes entered the ring on Livarot, a bay gelding owned by Summer Hill Farm. The crowd roared their approval at his clean round—it guaranteed a jump off, and because Hayes is the man who brought international show jumping back to the nation’s capital.

Then Howard, riding David Goodwin’s Hip Hop, a 13-year-old Swedish-bred mare, as the penultimate rider rode clear and was followed by Leone, on Candide, a nine-year-old bay stallion, owned by Haphco LLC.

In a jump off, riders enter in their original order, and once again Hunkin negotiated the modified course safely . Hayes followed with just as much precision but a lot more speed, completing the course in 38.59, 1.07 seconds faster than Hunkin. Howard and Hip Hop danced out of sync, taking down 4 rails for 16 faults. That left Leone to challenge Hayes’ time.

Spectators in the Nepean National Equestrian Park held their breath and as he cleared the final jump every eye swiveled to the timeclock—38.48. Leone was victorious, beating Hayes by less than a tenth of a second.

“I didn’t think that I could beat Jay’s time,” Leone admitted later. “I’ve never run my horse that fast at fences that high, but I did try to stay within his ability. It was Candide’s day.” Haphco is Leone’s company in partnership with Scott Brakebill and is an acronym for Hope and a Prayer Horse Company. “Candide was sired by a great stallion, Voltaire. We named him after what we think is Voltaire’s best work, and Candide truly is a classic jumper and still quite young.”

Special guest Major General Lewis MacKenzie (Ret.) presented Leone with his winnings, $12,000 of the $40,000 total purse. “I can share in the joy and the agony of a tenth-of-a-second win and loss,” said MacKenzie.

The Grand Prix was the grand finale for the two-week National Capital Show Jumping Tournament, in which top equestrians from across Canada and the U.S. competed for more than $200,000 in prize money. Hayes Co., the family-run business based in Orangeville, Ont., led by Jay Hayes and his wife, horsewoman Shawn Hayes, plans to return with the event in 2009.

Media contact: Cindy Barrett • 613.858.9935 • cbarrett@xplornet.com

Candele wins $35,000 Kubota Cup

August 16, 2008—Ottawa, ON—It was an orange-letter day for Yann Candele and the letter was K. Candele won the $35,000 Kubota Cup, the title event at the Kubota National Tournament during week two at the National Capital Show Jumping Tournament at the Nepean National Equestrian Park.

The event was the second qualifying class for the eastern Canadian division of the Kubota Cup National Show Jumping Series. Three eastern provinces each hold an event as do three western provinces. Rider and horse combinations earn points in the qualifiers to gain entry into the $100,000 national finals at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto in November. Kubota Canada feels like a winner, too. “Our sponsorship of the Cup series for the past four years has translated into a dramatic increase in sales,” said National Marketing Manager John Gilliland.

Candele, a native of France who became a Canadian citizen in March, rode five horses in the class. But it was on one of his younger, less experienced mounts, Game Ready, owned by Sue Grange, that he claimed the top prize. Peter Leone, riding Sequoya’s Ado Annie, owned by Greg Watkins, placed 2nd. . Leone, who won team silver for the U.S. at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, earned $7,000 for his 2nd place finish, but is not eligible to earn points for the Kubota series, which is open only to Canadians.

Yann Candele winning the $35,000 Kubota Cup on Game Ready, at the Kubota Cup Tournament

It was his third place finish on Mustique, an 11-year-oldDutch Warmblood mare also owned by Sue Grange, that nets Candele precious points for the Kubota series. It’s not just a rider that earns points—it’s a rider-horse pairing. But because Leone is not eligible, Candele picked up the equivalent of 2nd place points, cementing his lead. The final eastern competition is in Halifax in October. Lindsay Hitchner of High River, Alberta, riding her 11-year-old mare Billy Autumn, claimed the western title on August 10 in Richmond, B.C. Each division champion is guaranteed a berth in the finals. Additional entries, based on overall points and a wild card entry, make up the final field of 21.

After watching three horses in the jump off run into trouble with a tight turn into the first oxer –a wide jump—Candele gave Game Ready a bit more latitude for his approach. But he sensed he could push the eight-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding in other parts of the course. “My goal was to give my younger horses a good experience,” said Candele. “But I saw an opportunity to move up with Game Ready.” His next ride, on Mustique was careful and controlled and just 1.09 seconds behind Game Ready.

Mark Samuel, riding Wembley, owned by Chadburn Holdings, was first into the jump off and rode clear with a time of 44.04 seconds, which earned him 4th place. Jay Hayes, laid down the most aggressive ride of the jump off, clocking a mere 40.45 seconds on the Holsteiner gelding Livarot, owned by Summer Hill Farm. But with one rail down—the Kubota oxer, which at 5’3” was the widest jump on the course designed by Brazilian Guilherme Jorge—Hayes had to settle for 4th.

The show closes tomorrow with the $40,000 NCSJT Grand Prix that will feature top riders from Canada and the U.S. Admission is $5 per person and parking is free

Media contact: Cindy Barrett • 613.858.9935 • cbarrett@xplornet.com

Yann Candele on Mustique. Together the pair are leading in points for the Kubota Cup series. They placed 3rd in yesterday's (Aug 16) $35,000 Kubota Cup

Mac Cone and Eric Lamaze Lead Canadian Show Jumping Charge
at the 2008 Olympic Games

Cealy Tetley, www.tetleyphoto.com

Hong Kong, China – Mac Cone, 55, of King City, ON, and Eric Lamaze, 40, of Schomberg, ON, were two of 13 athletes to produce a clear round and tie for first place individually following the opening day of show jumping competition held Friday, August 15, at the 2008 Olympic Games in Hong Kong, China. Friday’s competition counts only towards the individual rankings.

Cone was the first competitor into the stadium for Canada. Riding Ole, a 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Sara Houstoun and Larry Evoy, Cone produced a clear round to put him at the top of the leader board.

“I was pleased how we started out,” said Cone, who was also a member of the Canadian Show Jumping Team at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. “Everything you dreamed would happen your first time out happened. Ole just relaxed and performed like it was just another competition. The fight is just beginning but better a good start than a bad!”

Currently ranked the number three rider in the world, Lamaze also delivered a faultless performance in the Sha Tin equestrian venue. Riding Hickstead, a 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood stallion owned by Torrey Pines Stables and Ashland Stables, Lamaze easily cleared the 12 obstacles comprising the track set by co-Olympic course designers Leopoldo Palacios of Venezuela and Steve Stephens of the United States.

“He felt really good, he warmed-up well,” noted Lamaze of Hickstead. “It’s been a lot of rest time, more than I would normally give him, since I last showed in Calgary, but he’s got a lot of experience under his belt. Tonight’s course was a good introduction to what’s coming.”

Of the overall Canadian Team performance, Lamaze noted, “It proves that Torchy Millar put together a great team for us. All four of us have been to major competitions. We get along great, we all help each other, and it’s a great atmosphere. It is a real pleasure to be here.”

Jill Henselwood, 45, of Oxford Mills, ON, left all the jumps in place but incurred one time fault for exceeding the 88-second time allowed. With that score, she is tied for 14th position individually riding Special Ed, a 14-year-old Oldenburg gelding owned by Juniper Farms.

“Wow, what a start for Canada!” exclaimed Henselwood, the current Pan American Games Champion. “You can’t have a crystal ball, but we came here with four good riders and we seldom have four horses that look as good as these four do against the rest of the world.”

In his record-tying ninth Olympic appearance, Ian Millar, 61, of Perth, ON, had a rail down at fence number nine riding In Style, a 13-year-old Holsteiner gelding owned by Susan Grange, Lothlorien Farms. With four faults, Millar is tied for 30th place in the individual standings.

Team competition will be held over two consecutive days, Sunday and Monday, August 17 and 18. At the conclusion of competition on August 18, Team Medals will be awarded. For the Individual competition, Friday’s results will be added together with results from Sunday and Monday’s Team competition to determine the top 35 riders that move forward to the Individual Final on Thursday, August 21.

For more information, including live results, please visit www.fei.org/olympics.

Canada’s next top riders walk the runway in circus-themed fashion show

August 10, 2008—Ottawa, ON—A very fashionable circus set up under the big top on the grounds of the Brookstreet Hotel on Sunday evening.

Regan Hayes produced a fashion show with a circus theme that featured clowns, ballerinas, zebras, tightrope walkers, the bearded lady and a tattooed man. The new fall lines from Calvin Klein and Tristan America were also modeled. The show was the highlight of a party for the exhibitors at the National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments (NCSJT), which concluded its first of two weeks today after five days of international show jumping competition at the Nepean National Equestrian Park.

Most of the models had spent the past week performing on a different stage—they are the next generation of top equestrian jumpers and have competed steadily over the past five days at the horse show. Regan also convinced many of the young men who work as the ring crew to participate.

“I like to take the riders out of their element,” said Regan. “They spend so much of their time in breeches and boots—I like to glam them up. Some of them are shy, but I think they secretly love it.”

The enthusiastic audience—exhibitors, riders, grooms, and supporters—greeted the models, some of whom were clothed in Regan’s own designs, with boisterous appreciation. A surprise entry into the catwalk lineup was Olympic and World Equestrian Games veteran Beth Underhill.

Brookstreet was a major sponsor of the National Capital Open, which played host to a roster of Canadian and American equestrian superstars, including Underhill, over the past week. “I’m overwhelmed by the support Brookstreet provided as I was organizing the fashion show and party,” said Regan. Added sister Ainsley, who managed and coordinated the horse show, “Brookstreet has really gone above what we expect from a sponsor.”

The Hayes sisters are members of Hayes Co., based in Orangeville, Ont., which has organized horse shows in Collingwood, Ont., for the past 22 years. Jay Hayes, two-time Olympic equestrian, heads the business with his wife, horsewoman Shawn Hayes. The family business also includes eldest daughter, Lauren, herself a competitor in grand prix events. The NCSJT is their first horse show in Ottawa.

As well as working in the family business, Regan is an aspiring designer. Many of the suede and leather accessories and heavily printed knit clutches used in the show were her designs. She also designed, drafted, and sewed several of the circus costumes, and the vintage jewelry came from her collection.

Media contact: Cindy Barrett • 613.858.9935 • cbarrett@xplornet.com
8FYP0751.jpg: National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments (NCSJT) Fashion Show. Grand Prix equestrians Beth Underhill (L)and Lauren Hayes (C) and NCSJT co-chair, horsewoman Shawn Hayes.

Deslauriers victor 3 days in row—wins $75,000 Brookstreet Grand Prix

August 10, 2008—Ottawa, ON—Despite the forecast, the sun continued to shine on the Nepean National Equestrian Park as the National Capital Open concluded today. And, despite the tough competition, Mario Deslauriers reigned victorious for the third consecutive day, winning the $75,000 Brookstreet Grand Prix, the title event in the first week of the National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments (NCSJT).
Only 5 horse and rider combinations, out of a field of 27, left all the jumps standing and finished the course in the allotted time. The first rider on course in the jump off, Lauren Hunkin, who trains with Ian Millar, completed a clear round on Larry, owned by Synergy Farm, in 38.89 seconds. Next, Olympic and World Equestrian Games veteran Beth Underhill also rode clear and pushed her mount, Top Gun, to beat that time by 1.33 seconds. The third rider in the jump off, Olympic gold- and silver-medal winner Leslie Howard, on her own horse Lennox Lewis, took a rail down for four faults.
Deslauriers, who has represented Canada at every major international show jumping event, was next in the ring on Obelix R, owned by Lisa Silverman. In a display of speed and sure-footedness, the pair shaved .87 seconds off Underhill’s time.

When the final rider, Paul Halpern on Rebecca Irvine’s horse, Rolls Royce, took down an early rail, he sped through the rest of the course to move ahead of Howard’s time and into 4th place.
Said Deslauriers about his winning strategy, “We paid attention to how many strides riders were putting in between jumps. Obelix has a big stride, so we knew that where some were doing six strides between certain jumps, we could do five. And then we had that long, fast gallop to the last fence!”
Brookstreet was the main sponsor for the National Capital Open, which welcomed international show jumping back to the Ottawa area. “The show would not have been possible without a great sponsor,” said Jay Hayes, past Olympic equestrian and co-chair of the NCSJT with his wife, horsewoman Shawn Hayes. “They made the maximum effort to help us be successful.”
The NCJST continues on Wednesday, August 13-17, 2008, with its second week of world-class show jumping and the Kubota National Tournament. For more information, visit www.hayesco.ca.
Admission to the show is free on Wednesday and Thursday, $2/person on Friday, and $5/person on Saturday and Sunday.
Media contact: Cindy Barrett • 613.858.9935 • cbarrett@xplornet.com

Super Mario wins 1st and 2nd in the $15,000 ATCO Derby

August 9, 2008—Ottawa, ON--It took 24 rounds before one horse and rider conquered the course at the $15,000 ATCO Derby at the National Capital Open today at the Nepean National Equestrian Park. Mario Deslauriers was the sole rider in a class of 26 to go clear and within the time allowed, on his second mount, Lutopia, owned by Jane Clark. Earlier in the class, riding another Jane Clark-owned horse, Concerto, he incurred one time fault—and that was enough to secure 2nd place.
“There were many excellent riders out there today and we all found it a tough course,” said Deslauriers. “But I knew my second horse was faster than my first, so all I had to do was let her go, as long as I could keep all the jumps up.”
Marie Hecart, coached by Olympic team member Eric Lamaze, was a close third with just 2 time faults on Lucas, owned by Ashland Stables. Margie Gayford on Winston, owned by Wingberry Farm, placed 4th with 3 time faults.
Four of the first 7 riders were eliminated on the course designed by Leopoldo Palacios and built by Mauricio Garcia-Ballesteros as horses refused to jump down off a stone wall set at the base of a slope or, just two jumps after that, the devil’s dyke—a 3-jump combination with 1 jump on either side of a ditch, and 1 jump set in the ditch. In show jumping, 1 refusal nets the rider 4 faults; 2 refusals means elimination.
Before long, spectators were cheering the horse and rider combinations that successfully navigated the challenging portion of the course.
“A course can be tough by virtue of its design,” said Garcia-Ballesteros, “but a lot depends on how the jumps are built. I put in a bit of humour with my jump that looks like a moose, set just before the devil’s dyke.”
ATCO is one of the National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments (NCSJT) top sponsors and is also the main sponsor of Spruce Meadows, considered Canada’s finest outdoor equestrian facility and owned by the Sothern family of Alberta.
The National Capital Open finishes Sunday, with the $40,000 Brookstreet Grand Prix., featuring a stellar lineup of equestrian talent from across Canada and the U.S.
The Kubota National Tournament begins next Wednesday with more international show jumping that culminates next weekend with the $35,000 Kubota Cup on Saturday, August 16, and the $40,000 NCSJT Grand Prix on Sunday, August 17.
Admission to the final day of the National Capital Open is $5. Free parking is available at the Nepean National Equestrian Park.
Media contact: Cindy Barrett • 613.858.9935 • cbarrett@xplornet.com

Deslaurier wins first-ever Lynn Millar Memorial at National Capital Open

August 8, 2008—Ottawa, ON—When you’re riding in a class full of young horses, it pays to be a seasoned pro. Mario Deslauriers, two-time Canadian Show Jumping Champion and Olympic veteran, took 1st and 3rd place at the National Capital Open’s first ever Lynn Millar Memorial class for 7 and 8 year olds.
In a large class of 37 horses, Deslauriers rode Cocu, owned by Jane Clark, to a double clear round, and his jumpoff time beat that of his closest rival, Marie Hecart on Nala Gesmeray, out of Ashland Stables. On Bolero, owner and rider Deslauriers placed third, earning him the lion’s share of the $5,000 class.
Jonathon and Amy Millar presented the trophy in the class named in honour of their mother who died in March. Lynn Millar was well-respected throughout the international equestrian community as a horsewoman and key component of Team Millar, which she headed along with her husband of 39 years, Ian Millar. Ian is honourary chair of the National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments opened the first day of classes earlier this week before flying to Hong Kong to compete in his 9th Olympic Games.
“It was an honour for me to win this class because it is in Lynn’s name,” said Deslauriers. “My horse’s owner, my groom…we’re all very proud because we all knew and respected Lynn.”
The day closed with the $10,000 Open Welcome. Leslie Howard, member of the U.S. Equestrian Team, set a blistering pace on her mount, Jeans Glove Varnel, that none of the other 10 riders who made the jumpoff could match. In yet another trip to the podium today, Mario Deslauriers placed 2nd on his horse, Paradigm, and Marie Hecart took 3rd on Why Not, owned by Ashland Stables and Don Eddy Farm.
Don’t miss the $15,000 ATCO Derby tomorrow at the National Capital Open, which will feature more top equestrians from Canada and the U.S. A generous sponsor of the Tournaments, ATCO , based in Alberta, is also the main sponsor of Spruce Meadows, owned by the Sothern family of Alberta, and considered Canada’s finest outdoor equestrian facility.
As Event Coordinator, Ainsley Hayes organizes and manages the Tournaments for the family-run business Hayes Co., headed by her parents, horsewoman Shawn Hayes and double Olympic rider Jay Hayes. Said Ainsley: “Ottawa is so happy to have international show jumping back, that the sun has been shining on the Nepean National Equestrian Park all week. To welcome families back to the Park, we are offering lower admission and free parking.”
Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and come out this weekend for the chance to watch top riders from Canada and the U.S. compete in the grand prix ring.
The National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments continue until Sunday, August 17, 2008. Admission to the National Capital Open, which concludes this weekend, is $5 on Saturday and Sunday. Admission to the Kubota National Tournament is free on Wednesday and Thursday; $2 on Friday; and $5 on Saturday and Sunday. Parking is free.
Media contact: Cindy Barrett • 613.858.9935 • cbarrett@xplornet.com

World-Class Show Jumping Returns to the Nation's Capital

Ottawa, Ontario --- Canadian Olympians Jay Hayes and Ian Millar are teaming up to revitalize international show jumping sport in the Nation's Capital. The National Capital Open will take place August 6-10 followed by the Kubota National Tournament from August 13-17, 2008, at the Nepean National Equestrian Park in Ottawa, ON.

While Millar will act as Honourary Chairman of the Horse Show Committee, Hayes and his family, recognized for producing the Collingwood Horse Show for 21 years, will manage the back-to-back international show jumping tournaments which will attract the world's best show jumping competitors including Olympic, World Championship and Pan American Games veterans, to Ottawa.

"Not only are we bringing show jumping back to Ottawa, we are also raising the stakes with not just one, but two back-to-back show jumping tournaments held on one of the best jumping fields in North America," said Hayes. "The people of the Ottawa Valley have always been very supportive of the horse shows held at the Nepean National Equestrian Park and we are hoping that, after the cancellation of the former show jumping tournament, they will return as strong, if not stronger, than ever."

With two weeks of world-class show jumping in one facility, competitors will have the opportunity to earn double the prize money while the spectators, notoriously loyal in Ottawa, will have two full weeks to watch the sport's best in action. In addition, the economic impact for the City of Ottawa will be substantial.

Yavuz Photo

The National Capital show jumping tournaments, featuring all hunter and jumper divisions, will be managed by horsemen for horsemen, and the emphasis will be on great footing, convenient scheduling and a fun atmosphere. With the Hayes and Millar families at the helm, a successful show jumping tournament is assured and all sports marketing opportunities will be explored to ensure its longevity.

Brookstreet and Kubota Canada Ltd. were the first sponsors to step forward and support the Ottawa-based initiative. Brookstreet will be the official hotel of the National Capital show jumping tournaments as well as the title sponsor of the first week's Grand Prix.

"We are delighted to have a premier show jumping event back in Ottawa, and are excited to be the official hotel of the National Capital tournaments," noted Brookstreet's owner, Sir Terrence Matthews.

The second week of competition, the Kubota National Tournament is part of the Kubota Cup National Show Jumping Series presented by Kubota Canada Ltd.

"Kubota Canada is enthusiastic about this new event in the City of Ottawa as our nation's capital is an important stop on our cross-Canada Kubota Cup Series," said John Gilliland, National Marketing Manager for Kubota Canada, Ltd. "We look forward to working with this experienced team to create a new and dynamic two weeks of show jumping on some of the best footing in all of Canada."

Acclaimed course designer Guilherme Jorge of Brazil, who recently designed at the 2007 World Cup Final and 2007 Pan American Games, will be setting the tracks in the state-of-the-art grass grand prix field, considered to be the best in eastern Canada.

Charity components of the National Capital show jumping tournaments include a charity golf game at The Marshes Golf Club. A percentage of the proceeds from the gate will also be given to charity.

For more information on the National Capital show jumping tournaments, including sponsorship opportunities and prize lists, please contact Ainsley Hayes at ainsley.hayes@hughes.net.