NATIONAL SHOW JUMPING SERIES GETS STRONG START IN OTTAWA

OTTAWA, ON -- Frankie Chesler of Orangeville, ON and her 10-year-old
Dutch Warmblood gelding, VDL Nuit de Pomme, won Sunday’s $65,000 Kubota Cup Big Ben Memorial Grand Prix. Besides taking home the top prize money the duo earned the top points toward the Eastern Canada Division Championship of the Kubota Cup Canadian Show Jumping Series.

“It’s been awhile since I’ve won a major Grand Prix,” said a delighted Chesler, 24. “So it’s nice to win one, and especially a Kubota Grand Prix.”

The Grand Prix at the ‘Kubota’ Capital Classic Show Jumping Tournament at Nepean National Equestrian Park in Ottawa saw four of the 31 starters return for the jump-off. Chesler, who was last to go in the second round, said, “Knowing my horse really well I knew I could go fast because he is really careful.” She crossed the finish line in 46.69 seconds.

Canadian Olympian John Pearce of Stouffville, ON had earlier clocked a quick, clear second round with his horse, Archie Bunker, in 46.82 seconds. He said later that having to slow down at the skinny vertical jump with his very young, seven-year-old horse, cost him the win. “I’m protecting him a little bit. He wasn’t even meant to start in the Grand Prix this year,” Pearce said. “But I decided I want to try to get that little RTV!” He was referring to the Kubota RTV 900 Utility Vehicle that will be awarded to the winner of the Eastern Canada Division of the Series, which ends in Halifax in October.

American Ashley Fleischhacker, 19, took third place with Cycan, the nine-year-old grey
Belgian-bred stallion she had only competed with twice before. It was their first Grand Prix, and they posted a double clear with a jump-off time of 50.78 seconds. Fourth went to Chris Pratt of Belfountain, ON and Rivendell, who had the quickest time in the second round but lowered a rail at the second fence. With Fleischhacker ineligible to collect points in the Kubota Cup Series, which is open only to Canadians, Pratt secured third place Championship points.

Kubota Canada Ltd. has made a multi-year commitment to the Canadian Show Jumping Series, which is the subject of a 13-part television series that will air on the Global national television network beginning in September. Coincidentally the production crew from Generator Productions had filmed Chesler for one of the segments earlier in the week. Her Grand Prix win provided them with additional exciting footage.

The Show Jumping Series spans the country from the Pacific Coast to the Atlantic Coast with a Championship, a Kubota RTV and a crystal trophy being awarded in both the Western Canada Division and the Eastern Canada Division. A National Champion will be crowned at the Finals scheduled for November 5 at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto.


RESULTS FROM THE $65,000 KUBOTA CUP BIG BEN MEMORIAL GRAND PRIX:
1. VDL Nuit de Pomme /Frankie Chesler (Orangeville, ON) 0:0 46.69; $18,000
2. Archie Bunker/John Pearce (Stouffville, ON) 0:0 46.82; $12,000
3. Cycan/Ashley Fleischhacker (Wellington, FL) 0:0 50.78; $8,000
4. Rivendell/Chris Pratt (Belfountain, ON) 0:4 46.26; $6,000
5. Uno/Ainsley Vince (Milton, ON) 4; $5,000
6. Stuntman/Margie Gayford (Sharon, ON) 4; $4,000

KUBOTA CUP EASTERN CANADA DIVISION STANDINGS
1. Frankie Chesler/VDL Nuit de Pomme – 180 points
2. John Pearce/Archie Bunker – 170 points
3. Chris Pratt/Rivendell – 165 points
4. Ainsley Vince/Uno – 160 points
5. Margie Gayford/Stuntman – 155 points
6. Jay Hayes/Landor 17 – 150 points