Madden and Judgement Take Center Stage at Fourth Week of Winter Equestrian Festival

Wellington, FL—February 17, 2003—The Florida Classic/WCHR Spectacular, February 12-16, which was the fourth week of competition at the 2003 Winter Equestrian Festival, held at the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club in Wellington, FL, culminated with the weekend’s highlighted event, the $50,000 Idle Dice Classic. Beezie Madden of Cazenovia, NY, and her 2002 World Equestrian Games mount, Judgement, owned by Iron Spring Farm, topped the field of 29 entries in the first World Cup Qualifier of the Florida season.

Six horses went clear in the first round to qualify for the jump-off, where it was Madden who prevailed with the fastest time of 39.56 seconds. Finishing second with a time of 40.03 seconds was Margie Engle of Wellington, FL, and her mount Hidden Creek’s Jones. Lauren Hough, of Wellington, FL, who has already posted a win and a second place finish in 2003 grand prix events in Wellington, rode her Sydney Olympic mount Clasiko, owned by the Clasiko Group, to a third place finish in a time of 40.15 seconds.

McLain Ward of Brewster, NY, and his mount, Galant, topped a field of 33 horse-and-rider combinations to win the $25,000 WEF Challenge Cup Series IV. Eleven horse-and-rider combinations qualified for the jump-off round but could not catch Ward’s time of 62.68 seconds. Laura Kraut rode Allegiance, owned by the Pin Oak Farm, to a second place finish with a time of 64.01 seconds. Joe Fargis riding Edgar for Mary B. Schwab/O.E.J.I Farm captured third place in a time of 65.24 seconds.

Children’s and Young Rider classes were featured in a big way during the Florida Classic. Taking the $5,000 FEI Individual Young Rider Championship was Cody Baird of Greenwich, CT, aboard October Farm’s Poleander. Paige Johnson of Middleburg, VA, finished in second place riding Lancier 4, owned by Salamander Farm.

In the FEI Children’s World Jumping Competition, Carolyn Kelly piloted Chagall 115, owned by Pala Mostoller, to the win over the 21 horse-and-rider combinations. Finishing in second place was Maggie McAlary aboard her Mid-Accord.

Kent Farrington rode Madison, owned by Alexa Weeks, to victory in the $1,500 Young Jumper 7-Year-Old Class. Finishing in second was Laurie Bucci aboard Tomboy Major, owned by Marc Sabbah.

The Solaray Junior Jumper Gambler’s Choice provided excitement for exhibitors and spectators alike. Many enjoyed watching top junior jumper riders compete in the special class while attending the Solaray Exhibitor Party in the Jockey Club. Ultimately, it was Jennifer Urioste aboard her Casanova, who topped the nineteen horse-and-rider combinations entered in the class. Second place went to Melissa Orlick aboard Intersat Floyd, owned by Lynn Zbierski. Laura Gay rode Cannon Boy, owned by RCG Farm, to a third place finish.

Emily Williams and Strapless, owned by the All Season Farm, captured the weekend’s highlighted hunter event, the AHJF Hunter Classic Spectacular, which took place on Saturday night. Strapless qualified for the Classic after capturing the Championship in the Regular Working Hunter division. Strapless was also the Reserve Champion in the Small Junior Hunter 16-17 with owner/rider Clara Linder. Scott Stewart rode Chopard, owned by Krista Weisman, to a second place finish in the Classic. Chopard and Stewart finished as Reserve Champion in the Regular Conformation Hunter division earlier in the week to be eligible to compete in the Classic.

At the Florida Dressage Classic at the Winter Equestrian Festival, George Williams and Rocher won the FEI Freestyle with a score of 73.042%. Finishing in second place was Jan Brons aboard Fernando with a score of 67.208%. Brons also won the FEI Freestyle Intermediaire with Josien earning a score of 73.667%.

Nicole Levy captured the FEI Young Riders Freestyle aboard Korrado with a score of 68.667%.

Admission to the Winter Equestrian Festival at Wellington is free every Wednesday, and children under 12 are always admitted free. Adult admission is $5.00 on Thursdays and Fridays, $10.00 on Saturdays, and $15.00 on Sundays. Senior citizens are $5.00 every Thursday through Sunday. All adults who attend the Festival any Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday will receive a coupon entitling them to a two-for-one admission on that weekend.

For more information on the Winter Equestrian Festival and all its exciting events and activities, please call Stadium Jumping, Inc. in Wellington at (561) 793-JUMP or visit www.stadiumjumping.com.

Winter Equestrian Festival Dates:

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

Zada Enterprises, LLC Wellington Masters – February 19 – 23
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.