East Dorset, VT—August 7, 2002— It was the battle of the Olympians on opening day of the Vermont Summer Celebration, part of the 2002 Vermont Summer Festival held at Harold Beebe Farm in East Dorset, VT.

Peter Leone, a silver medalist at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, and Lisa Jacquin, a member of the Silver Medal team at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, dueled for the win in the $2,500 Open Jumper competition with Leon coming out on top.

Leone of Greenwich, CT, rode one of four horses to advance to the jump-off over the course designed by Jerry Dougherty. Leone, the first rider back into the ring, posted a time of 33.33 seconds aboard the 12-year-old bay mare, Bella Louisa, that could not be beat.

Jacquin of Wayne, PA, had two chances to beat Leone, but a time of 33.89 seconds riding the nine-year-old thoroughbred-cross gelding, Fabrege, was not quick enough. In addition to second position, Jacquin also took fourth after having a rail down with La Bonita.

Squeezing between Jacquin for third position was Ireland’s Cian McDermott and Falcone II who had a clear round in a time of 34.15 seconds in the jump-off. McDermott, who is based in New Hope, PA, also finished fifth riding D’Accord.

The five-week Vermont Summer Festival, New England’s largest “AA” rated hunter-jumper horse show circuit, featured the Manchester Classic, July 17-21, The Valley Classic, July 24-28, and the Manchester and the Mountains Horse Show, July 31-August 4. International horse sport action culminates with the Vermont Summer Celebration, August 7-11.

Each week the Vermont Summer Festival features several open jumper classes including the $35,000 Grand Prix class each Sunday as part of the Series, sponsored by the Stratton Mountain Inn, Hand Motors and the Equinox Resort. Top riders and horses, both nationally and internationally, are showcased in these USET-recognized events.

For further information please visit the Vermont Summer Festival website at www.vt-summerfestival.com or call 802-362-7548.

.