Molly Ashe and Kroon Gravin Win Grand Prix of Tampa

TAMPA, FL -- MARCH 25, 2001 - In the summer of 2000, US Equestrian Team Rookie, Molly Ashe of Wellington, FL traveled to Europe tocompete with the US developing riders tour returning home with 3 Grand Prixwins, one being the 50th Anniversary Grand Prix of Germany in Berlinwhich she was the first woman and first American to capture the title. Today was long, with an awesome finish aftercapturing the $75,000 Grand Prix of Tampa aboard the 9 year-old Dutch bredmare, Kroon Gravin. Ashe was one of 11 out of a starting field of 74 to return for the jump-off round where the 30year-old Ashe turned in a blistering time of 34.21 seconds over the seven obstacle course, designed by Leopoldo Palacious-Jugo of Venezuela. Today's victory secured her a position to compete in the 2001 Budweiser American Invitational for the first time in her career. Second place was captured by US Equestrian Team Rookie, Vanessa Haas of Malibu, CA who clocked in at35.72 seconds aboard the 14 year old Holsteiner, Rainbow edging World Cup Veteran, Donald Cheska into third up on the 9 year-old Oldenberg, Casanova finishing up in 35.93 seconds just splits behind Haas.

"Both of my horses were phenomenal, not showing much in PalmBeach gave me and my horses a fresh start.I was flying and can't believe Richard Spooner went faster, thank goodness he pulled a rail. I was really nervous knowing that Margie Engle still had to go, because she is alwaysfast. It was an awesome class and a great course for my horse," Ashe said.

FOR AGATE: CosequinWinter Equestrian Festival
$75,000 GRANDPRIX OF TAMPA -- Tampa, Florida
March25, 2001 - Course Designer: Leopoldo Palacious-Jugo, Venezuela
Place / Horse/ Rider / Hometown / Faults-Time / Purse
1. Kroon Gravin/ Molly Ashe / Wellington, FL / 0-0-34.21 / $22,500
2. Rainbow /Vanessa Haas / Malibu, CA / 0-0-35.72 / $16,500
3. Casanova /Donald Cheska / Waukesha, WI / 0-0-35.93 / $9,750
4. RoyalKalibur / Chris Kappler / Pittstown, NJ / 0-0-36.04 / $6,000
5. Robinson /Richard Spooner / CA / 0-4-33.42/ $4,500
6. HiddenCreek's Christo / Margie Engle / Wellington, FL / 0-4-35.03/ $3,750
7. HiddenCreek's Laurel / Margie Engle / Wellington, FL/ 0-4-35.31 / $3,000
8. Rhythmical/ Nona Garson / Lebanon, NJ / 0-4-35.60 / $2,250
9. Resolute /Molly Ashe / Wellington, FL / 0-4-36.90 / $2,250
10. Elfee /Megan Johnstone / Orinda, CA / 0-4-37.15 / $1,500
11. Clasiko /Lauren Hough / Wellington, FL / 0-16-48.22 / $1,500
12. Latinus /Robin Sweely / Madison, VA / 1 / $1,500