Margie Gayford and Stuntman Finish on Top of the Jump Canada Series

Ottawa, Ontario — Margie Gayford of Sharon, ON, was named the 2006 Jump Canada Series Champion following the final event, the $75,000 CN World Cup Grand Prix, held November 8 at the Royal Horse Show in Toronto, ON.

Riding Stuntman, a 10-year-old Hannoverian gelding owned by Shawn Littler and Wingberry Farm, Gayford accumulated an impressive total of 246.60 points throughout the 2006 season. The pair made an impressive start in May, placing second in the $50,000 Caledon National Grand Prix in Palgrave, ON, before posting a third place finish in the $100,000 Alliance Homes World Cup Qualifier Grand Prix at the CSI-W Caledon Summer Festival in Palgrave, ON, on August 6. Two weeks later, the duo claimed the $60,000 Kubota Cup Grand Prix held August 20 at the ‘Kubota’ Collingwood Classic.

“I was disappointed to miss the Royal, but thrilled to have maintained the lead,” commented Gayford. “Stuntman was very consistent this season, and really enjoyed his job. He loves to jump, and that is something you want to protect in a horse – to have them stay fresh and treat every day as a new one.”

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As the winner of the 2006 Jump Canada Series, Gayford was presented with the prestigious Jump Canada trophy, generously donated by Barbara Anderson of Alberta, in a special ceremony at the Royal Horse Show on November 10.

“It is great to have a national series and award,” stated Gayford. “I am thrilled for Stuntman and for Wingberry Farms.”

Tamie Phillips of Strathmore, AB, finished as the runner up with a total of 233.40 points, paired with Lucas, her 10-year-old homebred Canadian Warmblood gelding owned by her mother, Merle Gardner. An alternate to Canada’s 2006 World Equestrian Games Team, Phillips contested the $35,000 Kubota Cup Grand Prix on June 3 at the Edmonton Northlands competition, finishing in second place. On August 13, they won the $35,000 Kubota Cup Grand Prix at the Twin Oaks Derby.

Mike Grinyer of Campbellville, ON, and his 15-year-old Holsteiner gelding Alcatraz 34 claimed third place in the series with a points total of 213.10. The pair enjoyed consistent performances throughout the Jump Canada Series, including a fourth place finish in the $25,000 TD Canada Trust Grand Prix at Spruce Meadows in Calgary, AB, and a sixth place finish in the $50,000 Grand Prix at the Caledon National in Palgrave, ON. Their most recent points were earned following a second place finish in the $75,000 World Cup Qualifier on September 3 at the CSI-W Halton Place Canadian Country Classic.

Other top pairs in the Jump Canada Series final standings included Ian Millar of Perth, ON, who finished in fourth place with 199.70 points, paired with his 2006 World Equestrian Games mount In Style. John Pearce of Stouffville, ON, and Archie Bunker, members of the victorious Nations’ Cup Team at the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament, finished in fifth position with 197.60 points.

For full standings, please visit http://www.jumpcanada.ca/programs/JC_standings.html.

Since its inception, the Jump Canada Series has recognized the achievements of such great Canadian horse-rider combinations as Beth Underhill and Altair (1999), Frankie Chesler and Ravenna Z (2000), Jill Henselwood and Toyzrus (2001), three-time champions, Ainsley Vince and Catch 22 (2002, 2003, and 2004) and current champions, Ian Millar and In Style.