Canadian
Ainsley Vince Captures $50,000 Fidelity Investments Grand Prix
South
Hamilton, MA--September 10, 2003--On a perfect day for show jumping
with the sun shining and a great crowd in attendance Canadian
Rider Ainsley Vince rode off with the top check in the $50,000
Fidelity Investments Grand Prix. The class was the climax of the
14th Annual Fidelity Jumper Classic, which took place September
3-7 at the Myopia Schooling Fields in South Hamilton, Mass.
Aboard
her longtime partner, Catch 22, Vince was one of eleven riders
out of a starting field of 41 to clear Designer Richard Jefferys
challenging first round course. Vince returned sixth in the jump
off order and with five riders still to go knew what she had to
do to win. It came down to a little bit of strategy,
she explained. I knew there were a lot of fast riders after
me so I had to go for it and then hope my time would hold up.
Vince,
who currently leads the World Cup Standings for Canada, narrowly
beat out Westford, Mass. native, Tricia OConnor, who finished
less than a second slower aboard Fair Play. Kim Frey from Hume,
Va. placed third aboard Tyson.
In
other top show jumping action, Kristi Smith of Rockport, Mass.
and Jennieta won the $6,500 Welcome Stake. Christine Tribble of
Windsor, Conn. won the $5,000 Maserati Speed Stakes with Nivo.
The
addition of the second ring proved to be a big hit with riders,
solidifying the show as one of the premier jumper-only events
in the country. The Jumper Classic is a special event with
great classes, a great course designer in Richard Jeffery, and
great sponsors, explained Olympic Veteran, Jay Hayes.
The
only Grand Prix event in the Boston area, the Jumper Classic has
been dubbed the premier social sporting event of the season by
The Boston Globe and once again drew an impressive crowd. Spectators
enjoyed the competition as well as the gourmet food, exhibitors
tents filled with artwork and horse-related items and gifts, opening
ceremonies and intermission entertainment.
For
complete results or further information please contact the Fidelity
Investments Jumper Classic at 978.283.7708 or at www.jumperclassic.com.
.