Wellington, FL – February 26, 2003 –The Winter Equestrian Festival continues this week as the Tommy Bahama Palm Beach Open. In the Internationale Arena, the featured event today was the $7,500 1.45 m Time First Jump Off Class which was won by McLain Ward riding Pinocchio. Laura Chapot was second riding her own Little Big Man. Course designer for the Internationale Arena this week is Prof. Arno Gego of Germany.

Margie Engle was the big winner in the DeNemthy Arena today. Margie won the 1.35 m Class with Naram owned by Shay Whitney Griese, beating 88 horses. And Margie won the 1.40 m Class with Nobility owned by Robert Pergament.

The Young Jumpers 5 Year Old Class was won by All Right with Lauren Bass riding for Cari Gleeson. The $1,500 Young Jumper 6 Year Old Class was won by Riane with Kent Farrington up for Kristen Bates. Jeffrey Welles was second riding Roberto Coins Appassionata owned by Triton Ventures.

In the Hunter Arenas, the Pre-Green 3 & 4 Year Olds had Amandale win a class and be second in the other over fence with Robert Crandall riding for Diane Burt. Music Street with Scott Stewart was 2nd in the first class. Savion with Ken Smith riding for Anne Emmett won the 2nd class.

Tickets to the Winter Equestrian Festival are available by phone at 793-JUMP or at the gate. Admission is free on Wednesdays. Children 12 & under are free all days. Senior admission is $5 every day. Adult admission is $5 on Thursday and Friday, $10 on Saturday, and $15 on Sunday. Parking is free.

Winter Equestrian Festival Dates:

(Each week runs Wednesday through Sunday beginning at 8:00 AM daily)

Tommy Bahama Palm Beach Open – February 26 – March 2
Cosequin Wellington Finale – March 5 – 9
Zada Enterprises, LLC WEF Dressage Classic – March 13 – 16

After March 9, competitors move to Tampa to continue the Winter Equestrian Festival

Dates for Tampa Winter Equestrian Festival

(Each week of competition runs Wed - Sun beginning at 8:00 AM)

Suncoast Internationale March 13-16
Tampa Bay Classic March 19-23 CSI***/W
Tournament of Champions March 25-29 CSI**/W
Budweiser American Invitational March 29 in Raymond James Stadium

Tickets for Winter Equestrian Festival at Tampa Fairgrounds are Wednesday through Friday $5. Children under 12 years are free. Saturday and Sunday Adult tickets are $10. Seniors and Students are $5 all days. For schedule, directions and information visit www.stadiumjumping.com.

Tickets for the Budweiser American Invitational, March 29 at Raymond James Stadium are available at Ticket Master (813) 287-8844 or at Stadium Jumping (877) 909-9436.