September 20, 2012 – Palgrave, Ontario – Yann Candele of Caledon, ON, scored victory in the $15,000 Caledon Cup Phase 1 on Thursday, September 20, at the CSI2* Canadian Show Jumping Tournament (CSJT). The five-day international show jumping competition runs through September 23 at the Caledon Equestrian Park in Palgrave, ON, recently named the official equestrian venue of the Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games.
A total of 28 horses entered the $15,000 Caledon Cup Phase 1, presented by Aviva Elite/Peel Maryborough. Seven successfully cleared the first round track set by two-time Olympic course designer Leopoldo Palacios of Venezuela to advance to the jump-off.
Candele already held the lead riding Game Ready, having posted a clear round in a time of 35.13 seconds, when he returned with his second jump-off mount, Carlotta Singular La Magnifica. The traveling alternates for the 2012 London Olympics, Candele and Carlotta Singular La Magnifica proved their capabilities by posting a clear round in time of 33.89 seconds to capture the win. Stablemate Game Ready settled for second while Candele’s third mount, Ariana, stopped the clock in 79.01 to incur one time fault for exceeding the 79-second time allowed. Candele and Ariana tied for eighth place with Ainsley Vince of Burlington, ON, who also crossed the timers in 79.01 riding Darling. All three of Candele’s horses are owned by Susan Grange of Cheltenham, ON.
“I’m riding quality horses that we’ve been developing for several years, and now we are starting to see their full potential at the top level,” explained Candele of his dominance. “In our training for the Olympic Games, I knew Carlotta had reached another level, and she is proving that now.”
Originally from France and now making his home in Caledon, Candele is a popular winner among the local community. For Candele, the feeling is mutual.
“It is a special moment to win at the Canadian Show Jumping Tournament,” said Candele, 41, who first came to Canada in 1999 to work with Olympic Champion Eric Lamaze of Schomberg, ON. “The partnership with the charity, the Children’s Wish Foundation, makes it such a special event. I really want to do well and support the kids and make their wishes come true.”
With a first and second place finish, Candele takes a strong lead in the standing for the $100,000 Caledon Cup standings, presented by Aviva Elite, Peel Maryborough, and RAM Equestrian. Comprised of three legs of competition held over three days, the $100,000 Caledon Cup will be the featured show jumping event on Saturday at 3 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.
In addition to showcasing some of the best horses in the country, the Canadian Show Jumping Tournament is held for the benefit of the Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada. This year, 10-year-old Hannah Smith of Cardston, AB, will have her wish for a horse granted during a special presentation on Saturday during a special Children’s Wish Foundation Celebration luncheon in the Champions Patron Club. Tickets are included with Champions Patron Club membership, or can be purchased for $1,000 for a table of eight, or $125 per person.
Also in support of the Children’s Wish Foundation, the Family Village will be open on Saturday and Sunday and will feature entertaining and educational interactive displays and attractions, including Sciensational SSnakes and Birds of Prey. The Foxbury Farm Horseless Horse Show is also returning this year, allowing children to jump kid-sized obstacles on foot in a competition of their own.
For more information on the Canadian Show Jumping Tournament, please visit www.equiman.com.
Contact: Jennifer Ward
Starting Gate Communications
Cell: (613) 292-5439
www.startinggate.ca