 |
Garofolo Wins $50,000 Bayer/USET Wellington Cup
|
Gladstone,
NJ—February 4, 2003—Judy Garofolo of Dover Plains, NY,
rode Higher Ground Farm’s Oliver III to the win in the $50,000
Bayer/USET Wellington Cup, February 2, at the Winter Equestrian
Festival (WEF) at the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club in Wellington,
FL. A crowd of more than 6,000 spectators gathered at the show
grounds on Grand Prix Sunday for the USET Show Jumping Grand Prix.
Frank Rothenberger of Germany set a difficult 15-obstacle first-round
course for the starting field of 35 horse-and-rider combinations.
Only four riders went clear in the first round to qualify for
the jump-off.
Garofolo
was first in the ring for the jump-off, posting a clear round
in a time of 40.21 seconds. None of the remaining three competitors
could top her performance and her lead held throughout the class.
Lauren Hough, winner of the Grand Prix the first week of the Festival
aboard Windy City, took second place honors aboard her 2000 Sydney
Olympic mount, Clasiko. Hough turned in a clear round in a time
of 42.55 seconds. “I am happy with the way both of my horses
are jumping so far this winter. It is exciting to do well two
Sundays in a row,” said Hough. Finishing in third place behind
Garofolo and Hough was Candice King aboard Quintin.
For
those who could not attend the $50,000 Bayer/USET Wellington Cup
or for those who want to relive the day’s events, Outdoor
Life Network (OLN) will air the event on Sunday, April 13, from
4:30-5:30 p.m. EDT. The coverage will be re-aired on Friday, April
18, from 12:00-1:00 p.m. EDT.
The United States Equestrian Team is a non-profit organization
that selects, trains, equips and finances equestrians of the highest
possible standard to represent our country in major international
competition, including the Olympic Games and the World Championships.
To accomplish this, the USET seeks out and nurtures the development
of talented athletes - riders, drivers and horses - and provides
the support and guidance they need to help them attain their fullest
potential. For more information on the USET, please call (908)
234-1251, or visit USET ONLINE at www.uset.org
.
