Californian Jumps in to Winner's Circle

TAMPA, FL - March 24, 2001 - US Equestrian Team Veteran, Megan Johnstone of Orinda, CA rode the 9 year-old Selle Frances/Belgian Cross Bred, Elfee, to victory in the $10,000 Tampa Bay Classic at the Cosequin Winter Equestrian Festival on Saturday.Johnstone was one of eight clear rounds out of a starting field of 75 toqualify for the sudden death jump off round and laid down the fastest time of 40.499 seconds. 2000 Olympian, Margie Engle of Wellington, FL finished just 1/10th of second behind Johnstone in 40.514 seconds aboard the 10 year old Holsteiner gelding, HiddenCreek's Jones. Third place went to EricLamaze of Canada up on Rosina, who finished in 40.701 seconds.

Action continues this week at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center, Florida State Fairgrounds as horses andriders prepare for the 2001 $200,000 Budweiser American Invitational on March31, 2001 at Raymond James Stadium, a no holds barred competition of 30 of thebest equestrians in the world. Fortickets call Ticketmaster or Stadium Jumping at 813-253-2782.