WELLINGTON, FL - March 3, 2001 - Jamie Schmidt, up on Mardi Gras, took first place honors in the Tommy Bahama Open Jumper Classic Saturday at Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club in Wellington. Schmidt was one of only 5 qualifiers out of a starting field of 59 to turn in double clear rounds over the course designed by Germany's Olaf Petersen where he cleared the jump-off course in 47.375 seconds, edging 1980 Olympic Show Jumping Gold Medallist, Joe Fargis. Fargis stopped the timers in 47.526 seconds aboard Maria Bonita, followed by Norman Dello Joio of Wellington, who finished in 49.996 seconds. Week Six of the Cosequin Winter Equestrian Festival continues this weekend. Game time is 2:00 PM on Sunday for the $75,000 Tommy Bahama Florida Open Grand Prix. Top athletes to watch include 2000 Olympians and currently-ranked First and Second in the American Grandprix Association Rider of the Year Standings: Margie Engle and Laura Kraut. Tickets are available at the gate: $6 for adults, $4 for students and seniors, children under 12 admitted free. Call 561.793-JUMP.