Halifax, NS – It is down to the wire for competitors to get their entries in to participate in the Kubota Cup Canadian Show Jumping Series Grand Prix being held for the first time at the Maritime Fall Fair.

The culmination of the Eastern Division Series, this Grand Prix will determine the Eastern Champion who, along with the top four point earners in the Series’ Division, will be invited to compete at the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto in November for the title of Canadian Champion.

But, the winner of the Grand Prix class may NOT be the Eastern Champion. Sandra Fraser, the originator of the series, said that “consistency in performance will be rewarded.” Any eligible rider can enter the Kubota Cup Grand Prix and take home the prize money. BUT only riders that are Canadian citizens, living in the region hosting the Kubota Cup Grand Prix, can earn qualifying points. The points will accumulate throughout the series in each region and the point leader will win the Eastern (or Western) Championship, taking home a new Kubota RTV900 Utility Vehicle to keep, along with the crystal trophy. Points are designed to encourage everyone to stay in the race for the finish.

After three competitions in Ontario and Quebec, the point standings are close. Former Olympian John Pearce of Stouffville, ON, and his mount Archie Bunker are in the lead. Frankie Chesler riding Nuit de Pomme is in second place in the point standings although they’ve earned twice as much prize money as Pearce.

In her rookie year on the Grand Prix circuit riding Air of Gold, Lauren Hunkin is sitting fifth in the point standings and looking to improve that position.

With performance consistency the goal, it’s anyone’s guess who will be crowned the Kubota Cup Canadian Show Jumping Series Eastern Champion.

KUBOTA CANADA LTD. (www.kubota.ca ) is the leading distributor of compact diesel tractors and construction equipment in Canada through its network of 150 retail outlets. Headquartered in Markham, ON, the company is celebrating 30 years of providing Canadians with “Powerful Solutions For A Compact World.” The company’s interest in Canadian sports led it to sign the multi-year commitment, underlining its commitment to and promotion of Canadian athletes and participating events.