Wellington, Florida – January 29, 2003 – The 2003 Winter Equestrian Festival at The Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club began last week with record-setting entries. Now in its 31st year, the Festival welcomes the best horses and riders in the world to compete for over $3 million in prize money during its run in Wellington and Tampa.

Traditionally, in Wellington, a special tent overlooking The International Arena (where the grand prix classes, among others, take place) has been set up to cater to the Festival’s top owners, trainers and riders. With 6-person tables historically ranging in price from $3,000 to $6,000 each, depending upon the location, tent spectators have enjoyed the best view of the top jumper action.

This year, Eugene R. Mische and Stadium Jumping, Inc. decided to upgrade the amenities……thus, the birth of The Jockey Club. Occupying the same space, Stadium Jumping called upon Dougie Mutch of Gracie Street Interiors of West Palm Beach to reconfigure and redecorate the tent. Nicole’s Tavern of Wellington was brought in to serve not only daily lunch, but a continental breakfast as well. Proper linens, silverware, china and stemware have replaced plastic forks and paper plates. Wait-staff now provide individualized service. Crystal chandeliers adorn the ceilings. Flushable toilets (as opposed to out-houses) and sinks with running water are now available to Jockey Club members only.

The Jockey Club’s statues, elegantly guarding the entrance to the tent, will change their colors each week depending upon the colors of the prior week’s grand prix winning stable.

Jockey Club members, among the crème de la crème of the equestrian world, unanimously praised the new look and services, including Jockey Club member Lou Dobbs of CNN’s Moneyline.

How much, you might ask? There are 30 front row and 30 back row tables, serving six people apiece. Each goes for $15,000 during the Wellington series. A steep price? – well, judging from the early sell-out and A-list waiting list, Stadium Jumping seems to have captured the mood of the market for yet another time.

Winter Equestrian Festival Dates:

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

Bayer Gold Coast Classic - January 29 - February 2
Wellington Dressage – January 30 – February 2
Kilkenny/ICH Internationale – February 5 – 9
Florida Classic/WCHR Spectacular – February 12 – 16
Florida Dressage Classic –February 13 - 16
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

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.

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