Tuesday, November 13, 2001

Neil Ishoy of Binbrook, Ontario, Win First Trip to the World Cup Final for Canada at the Royal Horse Show.

Neil Ishoy who hadn't competed in 17 years before his Grand Prix sweep earlier this fall at Dressage at Devon, claimed victory on his own turf in the Swarovski Canadian League World Dressage Final with an incredible score of 74.40% from the panel of international judges for his Grand Prix Freestyle performance. Riding Andiamo Tyme (shown here in his victory round at Dressage at Devon), a 10-year-old grey Oldenburg gelding owned by Epona Farms, Ishoy will be Canada's representative at the 2002 World Cup Final in the Netherlands. Ishoy's wife, Olympic bronze medallist Cindy Ishoy, was Canada's top finisher at the annual World Cup Final, placing second in 1988.

"My wife (Cindy Ishoy) went upstairs and dug out my old show clothes which I must confess were rather tight." Ishoy told reporters at Devon. "I really have always preferred to train and coach, but when the owners ask that I compete Andiamo this year, it was decided I would give it a go."

Last year's winner, Nancy MacLachlan of Terra Cotta, ON, finished second this year. Earning a score of 72% with Davis Cup, her 16-year-old Hannoverian gelding, MacLachlan performed her Freestyle to a blend of Celtic music.

Travelling from Langley, BC, Andrea Taylor competed with Dior, her 12-year-old Hannoverian gelding, placing third with 67.57%. Evi Strasser of St-Adele, QC, who represented Canada at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, was fourth with the 10-year-old Pryme Tyme owned by Good Tyme Stables with a score of 66.80%.

The top four riders in the Canadian League standings performed the Musical Freestyle, choreographing required movements to the music of their choice.

Related Links
www.royalfair.org For complete results or more information, please visit the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair website
Dressage Canada