Collingwood, Ontario -August 20, 2003 - Yann Candele of France topped an international field of show jumping athletes competing in the $50,000 CIBC Grand Prix, Presented by Your Ontario Chevrolet Oldsmobile Dealers, at the Collingwood Festival on August 10.

Twenty-six horse-rider combinations took to Fisher Field under sunny skies to tackle the course set by Guilherme Jorge of Brazil that included three double combinations. Only three horses advanced to the jump-off, Mill Creek Marco Taere piloted by Candele, and Air Jordan and Champagne, both ridden by Sydney Olympian John Pearce of Stouffville, ON.

The first to go, Pearce incurred four faults with Champagne, a 10-year-old grey Holsteiner gelding. Candele then entered on Mill Creek Marco Taere and left all the jumps up in a quick time of 41.89. Pearce made a second attempt at victory with Air Jordan, his seven-year-old Oldenburg stallion by Argentinus. Despite jumping cleanly, Pearce could not catch Candele’s time, clocking in at 43.53 seconds and settling for second place.

Candele, who has earned the nickname ‘The Flying Frenchman’ due to his ability to compete at great speed, earned the win on Mill Creek Marco Taere for owner Mill Creek Stables of Cambridge, ON. A nine-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding by Darco, Mill Creek Marco Taere was imported to Canada as a five-year-old and has enjoyed great success this year in at the grand prix level under Candele.

Placing fourth by having the fastest four-fault performance in the first round was John Kersley of Martintown, ON. Riding Moritze, an eight-year-old Holsteiner, the 52-year-old Scottish native turned in a time of 80.47 seconds in the first round, compared to the 86-second time allowed.

Elliott Stone, a newcomer to the grand prix ranks, finished fifth with four faults aboard Freestyle, the nine-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare owned by his father, Michael Stone. Despite being the first rider on course, Stone, 21, of Midland, ON, was quick, stopping the timers at 81.70 seconds.

The Collingwood Horse Shows are organized by two-time Canadian Olympian Jay Hayes, and his wife, Shawn. All three daughters - Lauren, 23, Ainsley, 21, and Regan, 18, also play vital roles, making the event a true family affair.

Held over two weeks at Fisher Field close to downtown Collingwood, the Collingwood Festival, August 6-10, is followed by the Collingwood Classic from August 13-17. Over the course of the two weeks, the 2003 Collingwood Horse Shows attract approximately 800 horses representing such nations as Canada, France, the United States and Uruguay. For more information, please visit www.collingwoodhorseshow.com

$50,000 CIBC Grand Prix, Presented By Your Ontario Chevrolet Oldsmobile Dealers