Wellington, FL – February 22, 2003 – The Winter Equestrian Festival was warm and humid in the high 80’s but by afternoon the wind was quite strong and jumps were blowing down. Although without the wind, the heat would have been difficult to bear for horses and humans.

Fifty horses were entered in a $20,000 1.5 m Classic today, a time first jump-off class. Beezie Madden riding Authentic won in a jump-off of eleven competitors. Authentic was the quickest of the 3 horses with clean jump-off rounds. Jeffrey Welles qualified 4 horses to come back for the jump-off. Jeffrey was 3rd placed with Penelope, 5th with Armani, 6th with Equinox and 9th placed with Nabuco.

Amateur Owner High Jumpers concluded today. So What ridden by Cara Raether and owned by Trelawny Farm Inc. was Champion. Reserve Champion was Elan Coriana with Stella Manship riding for the Elan Farm.

There was a $2,500 High Junior Jumper Time First Jump-off which Evan Coluccio won riding McLain Ward’s Romeo. Anna McNight was second riding Frimuse who is owned by Javier Salvador. Anna had a good class as she placed 2nd through 5th place on Frimuse, Pandora, Regina and Maeva.

All results are posted at www.stadiumjumping.com.

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.

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.