‘Flying Frenchman’ Does it Again at Blainville Jumping International

For the second year in a row, Yann Candele of Normandy, France, flew to victory in the $20,000 Casino de Montreal Welcome Stake held Friday at the CSI-W Blainville Jumping International in Blainville, Quebec.

Candele, better known as ‘The Flying Frenchman’ due to his adept ability to ride at great speeds, was one of 11 riders from the starting field of 29 to advance to jump-off over the course set by Olympic Gold Medalist Conrad Homfeld of the United States who is acting as the course designer at Blainville. Once Candele makes it through to the jump-off, spectators are guaranteed of a fast performance and Candele did not disappoint, turning in another clear round in a time of 34.95 seconds to overtake the lead. None who followed were able to match his time, giving Candele the victory riding Tyra, a nine-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare owned by Ashland Stables Inc.

One of Canada’s most beloved horse-rider combinations in recent years, Karen Cudmore and Conejo, gave it their best shot, posting a clear round in a time of 36.95 seconds only to have their performance eclipsed by Candele. Cudmore had a chance to regain the lead with Moxie, a 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, but her time of 38.45 seconds placed her in fourth position.

“I did get slow in a few places, but it felt great to have him back,” commented Cudmore, who has not shown Conejo in Canada since 2003. “I thought Moxie was great, he lost a shoe early in the jump-off, so I had to nurse him around a bit. Overall, Conrad set a great course that got the horses jumping well.”

After winning two days in a row, Laurie Bucci of St. Hilaire, QC, placed third in the ‘Casino de Montreal’ Welcome Stake riding Catesko. Yet another female competitor, Erynn Ballard, 24, of Hornby, ON, rounded out the top five with a double clear effort riding Rio’s Rhapsody, a 10-year-old Canadian-bred mare owned by Sterling Honda.

Over $160,000 in prize money is offered over five days of competition at the 17th annual CSI-W Blainville Jumping International. Saturday afternoon features the $25,000 Challenge Desjardins Modified Grand Prix while the five-day tournament culminates on Sunday with the $65,000 Grand Prix Jumping du Quebec World Cup Qualifier.

Located just north of Montreal, Blainville Equestrian Park features a variety of attractions that ensure all family members enjoy their visit. For more information, please visit www.classiqueblainville.com or contact Blainville International at tel: (450) 434-8202, e-mail: classiqueblainville@videotron.ca.

Rider Hometown Horse Faults Time
1. Yann Candele France Tyra 0:0 34.95
2. Karen Cudmore Victoria, BC Conejo 0:0 36.45
3. Laurie Bucci St. Hilaire, QC Catesko 0:0 37.39
4. Karen Cudmore Victoria, BC Moxie 0:0 38.45
5. Erynn Ballard Hornby, ON Rio’s Rhapsody 0:0 39.95