Madden Wins $50,000 Budweiser International Speed Derby at 2003 Oaks Blenheim International

San Juan Capistrano, CA—July 19, 2003—Beezie Madden of Cazenovia, NY, rode Innocence to the win in the $50,000 Budweiser International Speed Derby to highlight the third day of equestrian competition at the Oaks
Blenheim International CSI****, part of the Capistrano Summer Festival in San Juan Capistrano, CA. The event runs through Sunday, July 20.
Madden topped a field of 37 entries in the thrilling event which saw each horse and rider gallop over an obstacle course with jumps ranging as high as 5’. Just yesterday, Madden came away with the win in the $25,000 St. Regis Resort International Class.
“He jumped very carefully, his rideability was good, and he is always fast,” said Madden, who is alternate on the squad representing the United States at the 2003 Pan American Games in the Dominican Republic. “Today was our day.”
Finishing second was Leslie Howard aboard Cocu, and in third was Mandy Porter, who rode Lio Calyon.
Josephina Nor took top honors aboard Only One in Saturday’s other featured event, the $10,000 Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic. Katie Gardner took second place with Ce Ce Capone, and Tani Anderson finished third riding Nighty.
Thursday’s events saw Chris Kappler of Pittstown, NJ, emerged victorious in the $10,000 Hermès Speed Class and Will Simpson claim top honors in the $10,000 Robert Mondavi Jump-Off Class.
Sunday’s spectacular finale begins at 11am. The thrilling Cargill Grand Prix of the United States, presented by HBO, features a $175,000 purse. Kappler is the defending champion.

The Oaks Blenheim International is the United States’ first outdoor CSI, an international individual show jumping competition. It was first held in 2001 when Todd Minikus of Loxahatchee, FL, emerged as champion of the Cargill Grand Prix of the United States. In 2002, Kappler’s win came in dramatic fashion over three-time World Cup Champion Rodrigo Pessoa of Brazil.

Proceeds from the Capistrano Summer Festival benefit The Latino Coalition Foundation. The Latino Coalition Foundation is a non-profit, non-partisan 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization based in Washington, DC. TLCF was established in 1995 to address policy issues that directly affect the well-being of Hispanics in the U.S. Their agenda is to develop and promote policies that will enhance overall business, economic and social development of Hispanics. For more information on The Latino Coalition Foundation, please visit their websites at www.tlcfoundation.com and www.TheLatinoCoalition.com.

For general information, please visit www.capistranofestival.com or www.blenheimequisports.com.

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