2002 U.S. Olympian Lauren Hough Wins $100,000 Nat' Horse Show Jumper Championship

WELLINGTON, FL – Defending champion Lauren Hough of Wellington outdueled 1992 individual bronze medalist Norman Dello Joio to capture first place in the $100,000 National Horse Show Jumper Championship on the final day of the 119th annual National Horse Show Sunday at the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club.

Hough, a member of the 2000 U.S. Olympic team, maneuvered Clasiko, a 12-year-old brown Holsteiner gelding, to his first grand prix victory, going clear in the jump-off round in 42.08 seconds. Dello Joio, aboard Glasgow, a 12-year-old chesatnut warmblood gelding, knocked down the fourth fence in the jump-off and also had four time faults, finishing in 48.98 seconds.

“It’s very difficult going first in a two-horse jump-off, especially with Norman behind you,” said Hough, who won last year’s event aboard Windy City. “Clasiko is not a very fast horse, but he’s been going great. I think he’s just coming into his own.”

This was the first time The National was held at an outdoor venue. The National Horse Show was previously held at Madison Square Garden in New York City from 1883 through 2001 (except for 1989-1995 at the Meadowlands in New Jersey) before moving to Wellington for the 2002 edition.

More than 50,000 spectators attended the six-day show, watching hunters, jumpers and dressage competitions and a ladies sidesaddle exhibition as well as an attempt to set a new high jump record.

“This exceeded our most optimistic projections,” said Gene Mische, Chairman of The National Horse Show, who was responsible for bringing the event to Wellington. “The community showed its overwhelming support. The crowds were knowledgeable and enthusiastic and the competitors responded. I think this was a tremendous success.”

Mische is looking forward to having The National Horse Show back to Wellington during the last week in November in 2003.

Results:

$100,000 National Horse Show Jumper Championship

Horse/Rider/Owner/Prize Money

1. Clasiko/Lauren Hough, Wellington, FL/Clasiko Group/0-0-42.08/$30,000
2. Glasgow/Norman Dello Joio, Wellington, FL/ Glasgow Group/ 0-8-48.98/$22,000
3. Farrah/ McLain Ward, Brewster, NY/ Harry Gill & McLain Ward/ $13,000
T4. Nonix Le Parc/ Aaron Vale, Rembert, SC/ Millstream
T4. Hidden Creek’s Jones/ Margie Engle, Wellington, FL/ Hidden Creek Farm
T4. Puma/ Beezie Madden, Cazenovia, NY/ Athlone Partners
T4. Grand Soso 2/ Laura Linback, Mundilen, IL/ Woodrun Farm
T4. Bergerac/ Kim Frey, Middleburg, VA/ K. Miracle & Overlook Farm
T4. Paloma/ Leslie Howard, Westport, CT/ Jane F. Clark

Website: www.nhs.org