July 7, 2007 – Blainville, Quebec – Saturday brought sunshine and spectators to the Blainville Equestrian Park to watch Amy Millar of Perth, ON, claim victory in the $25,000 Challenge Desjardins Modified Grand Prix held Saturday, July 7, as part of the CSI-W Blainville Jumping International taking place July 4-8 in Blainville, QC.

A total of 24 horse-rider combinations accepted the difficult challenge set by Olympic course designer Linda Allen of California with four successfully posting a clear round to advance to the jump-off. Paul Halpern of Russell, ON, was the first rider back for the jump-off riding Rolls Royce. While he set a fast pace of 35.56 seconds, three rails tumbled to the ground for a total of 12 faults.

Amy Millar, the 30-year-old daughter of eight-time Olympian Ian Millar, was next in the ring and guided Piccobello to a clear round in a time of 37.83 seconds to move into the lead.

Hometown favourite Laurie Bucci of St. Hilaire came next and looked to be on target to take over top spot riding Z Girl, an 11-year-old grey Holsteiner mare. When a rail fell at the final fence and the clock flashed 38.21 seconds, Bucci would find herself in third position behind Marie Hecart of France who, riding Why Not for owner Eddie Creed, also had four faults but in a faster time of 37.87 seconds for second place.

With the horse that she has only been riding for two and a half weeks, Millar made her first trip to the winner's circle with Piccobello, an eight-year-old Belgian-bred mare owned by Millar Brooke Farm and Irish Oaks.

"When I walked the course I thought it was very difficult and it rode tough, too," noted Millar who claimed $7,500 in prize money for her win. "My plan was to be efficient and smooth and to jump clean. My horse is new so I just wanted to give her a good ride. This is only our second horse show, and when it comes together that fast, it exceeds my expectations."

Riding Costa Rica Z, Millar will compete in Sunday's $70,000 Grand Prix Jumping du Quebec World Cup Qualifier beginning at 2 p.m. The competition is the first World Cup Qualifier of the Canadian season, and athletes will be looking to earn valuable World Cup points in their quest to represent Canada at the 2008 World Cup Final in Goteborg, Sweden.

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 ext. 108, e-mail: classiqueblainville@videotron.ca.

---

Rider Hometown Horse Faults Time
1. Amy Millar Perth, ON Piccobello 0:0 37.83
2. Marie Hecart France Why Not 0:4 37.87
3. Laurie Bucci St. Hilaire, QC Z Girl 0:4 38.21
4. Paul Halpern Russell, ON Rolls Royce 0:12 35.56
5. Erynn Ballard Hillsburgh, ON Gentle R 4