Wellington, FL – February 14, 20003 – At the Winter Equestrian Festival today, the $25,000 WEF Challenge Cup Series IV, a speed class was contested by 33 horse and rider combinations. The winner with the fastest time of 62.68 seconds was McLain Ward riding his own chestnut gelding Galant. In second place, with a time of 64.01 seconds, was Allegiance with Laura Kraut riding for the Pin Oak Farm. In third place, was Joe Fargis riding Edgar for Mary B. Schwab/O.E.J.I. Farm (65.24 seconds). Just eleven of the 33 horses had fault free rounds.

The World Championship Hunter Rider Spectacular continued with more champions qualifying for the Hunter Classic and many juniors and amateurs working their way toward qualifying. In the Amateur Owner Hunters 36 and over, Mimi Tashjian qualified her Prove It by being Champion. Reserve Champion was Ilona,owned by James B. Pirtle Enterprises, Inc and ridden by Daryl Portela and who also qualified for Saturday evening’s Hunter Classic.

In the large Junior Hunters 15 & Under, Midnight Sun won the over fence class on the grass field. Midnight Sun was ridden by Jack Hardin Towell and is owned by Elizabeth Frady. Second in that class was Scalia owned and ridden by Jessica Speiser. While in another ring was the Handy Class for these Large Junior Hunters 15 & Under. The Handy was won by Panther with Sloan Coles riding for Julie Coles and in second was Caped Crusader with Jack Hardin Towell riding for Sarah B. Willeman and Turnabout Farm.

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)

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