Ottawa, Ontario-July 14, 2006 - It was an evening of thrills and spills in the $20,000 Open Welcome Stake at the 'Kubota' Capital Classic Show Jumping Tournament. The international show jumping tournament runs July 12-16 at the Nepean National Equestrian Park in Ottawa, ON.

A total of 41 horse-rider combinations attempted the first round track set by Conrad Homfeld with 10 successfully passing test to advance to the all-deciding jump-off.

Eric Lamaze had two chances to win, qualifying both Ronaldo and Narcotique de Muze II for the jump-off. While Lamaze was clear with his first ride, Ronaldo, in a time of 48.96 seconds, his time was overtaken by the next rider on course, John Pearce of Stouffville, ON, who stopped the clock at 47.39 seconds riding Urioso. The lead then changed hands again as American Olympic Gold Medallist Chris Kappler took to the field riding VDL Oranta, whizzing around the course in a time of 46.04 seconds. Lamaze was not to be outdone, however, and raced around in a time of 44.98 seconds to thrill the crowd that had gathered for the evening's event. His time would prove to be unbeatable, although two top competitors, Chris Pratt of Belfountain, ON, and France's Yann Candele, both took tumbles in the process of trying, resulting in elimination. In both cases, horse and rider were not seriously injured.

"I don't think Yann realized just how fast he was going," said Lamaze, who employs the Frenchman at his Torrey Pines Stables in Schomberg, ON. "He had me on the time by quite a lot, but when you take chances, anything can happen."

A total of five horses in the jump-off came from Lamaze's stable - his own two mounts, plus Candele's horse Tyra, Ashley Fleischhacker's Uncle Sam who placed fifth, and Sydney Vince of Milton, ON, who finished seventh with Uno.

"I will be going with four horses in Sunday's 'Kubota Cup' Big Ben Grand Prix, so my chances of winning will be even better," laughed Lamaze, who departs next week for Europe where he will compete in his fourth consecutive World Championships in Aachen, Germany.

Show jumping action begins every morning at 7:30 a.m. Saturday's featured event is the $35,000 Brookstreet Jumping Derby at 3 p.m., an event that makes use of the natural obstacles on the grass jumping field at the Nepean National Equestrian Park, considered to be one of the best in the country. The bravery and endurance of horses and riders will be tested as they negotiate the bank, open water and dreaded 'devil's dyke', an obstacle that sees horses disappear down into a deep ditch before jumping back out.

Sunday brings the $60,000 'Kubota Cup' Big Ben Memorial Grand Prix, the featured event of the 'Kubota' Capital Classic Show Jumping Tournament. Frankie Chesler, 25, will attempt to defend her title, but faces stiff competition from such Canadian greats as Eric Lamaze, John Pearce, Chris Pratt and eight-time Olympian Ian Millar, as well as American Olympic Gold Medallists, Chris Kappler and Joe Fargis.

Located in Ottawa’s west-end at the Nepean National Equestrian Park, at the Moodie Drive exit off of the 417 Highway, the 'Kubota' Capital Classic Show Jumping Tournament attracts more than 10,000 spectators annually. Admission is $10 per person on Saturday and Sunday with children 12 and under admitted free. For more information, please visit www.capitalclassic.ca.

$20,000 Open Welcome Stake - Final Friday Results

Rider - Hometown - Horse - Faults - Time
1. Eric Lamaze - Schomberg, ON - Narcotique de Muze II - 0:0 - 44.98
2. Chris Kappler - United States - VDL Oranta - 0:0 - 46.04
3. John Pearce - Stouffville, ON - Urioso - 0:0 - 47.39
4. Eric Lamaze - Schomberg, ON - Ronaldo - 0:0 - 48.96
5. Ashley Fleischhacker - United States - Uncle Sam - 0:4 - 45.70
6. Margie Gayford - Stouffville, ON - Stuntman - 0:4 - 48.34
7. Sydney Vince - Milton, ON - Uno - 0:4 - 48.77
8. Ian Millar - Perth, ON - Promise Me - 0:4 - 49.48
9. Yann Candele - France - Tyra - 0:elim.
9. Chris Pratt - Belfountain, ON - Bequia - 0:elim.

PHOTO CREDIT: Eric Lamaze rode Narcotique de Muze II to victory in the $20,000 Open Welcome Stake at the 'Kubota' Capital Classic Show Jumping Tournament in Ottawa, ON. Photo credit – Cealy Tetley