TAMPA, FL - March 28, 2001 - Rookie, Michael Walton ofValley Forge , PA, was in the winner's circle aboard the 9 year-old Dutch Stallion, Kantaris in the $5,000 Americhoice Open Speed Challenge at the Cosequin Winter Equestrian Festival on Wednesday. Walton cleared the 11 obstacle, Buddy Brown designed course in60.714 seconds. English Equestrian,Helen McNaught finished the course with no jumping faults and better than two seconds behind Walton in 63.315 seconds aboard the 12 year-old Irish bred gelding, Lassergut Concept, followed by Todd Minikus of Loxahatchee, FL, who clocked in at 63.743 seconds up on Pandora.

Action continues this week at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center, Florida State Fairgrounds as horses and ridersprepare for the 2001 $200,000 Budweiser American Invitational on March 31, 2001 at Raymond James Stadium, a no holds barred competition of 30 of the best equestrians in the world. The entire2000 Olympic team: Margie Engle, Laura Kraut, Nona Garson, Lauren Hough and Todd Minikus have qualified to compete in a must see event in the world of Grand Prix Show Jumping. For tickets call Ticketmaster or Stadium Jumping at 813-253-2782.